Psychosocial adjustment of patients surgically treated for head and neck cancer

Head Neck. 1992 May-Jun;14(3):218-23. doi: 10.1002/hed.2880140309.

Abstract

Sixty-six patients, surgically treated for head and neck cancer and free of disease, were interviewed at the outpatient clinic from 6 months to 8 years after surgery. The patients were divided by the physician into two groups, according to the patients' degree of disfigurement, i.e., minor (24 patients, 36%, minor disfigurement group = MDG) or extensive (42 patients, 64%, extensive disfigurement group = EDG). Subsequently, the patients were interviewed with close-ended questions. The following subjective aspects were assessed: self-image; relationship with the partner, family, and friends; and the overall impact of the therapy. The results of the study showed a significantly higher impact in the EDG versus the MDG as regards a changed self-image (57% vs 25%, P less than 0.05), a worsened relationship with the partner (27% vs 0%, P less than 0.05), a reduced sexuality (74% vs 39%, P less than 0.01), and an increased social isolation (36% vs 12%, P less than 0.05). On the whole, 18% of the subjects stated that the disadvantages of therapy outweighed the advantages, and 30% fell that the difficulties encountered were "too harsh." In such cases, the opportunity of setting up a rehabilitation program offering psychosocial support should be considered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Image*
  • Esthetics*
  • Face
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Social Adjustment*