Pilot Study on Early Signs, Symptoms and Nutritional Parameters among Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Study in Varanasi

Abstract

Head and Neck (H&N) cancer is the most common cancer identified among men in India, with an increased global burden. A strong association has been observed with the presence of extraneous variables, such as alcohol intake, tobacco consumption, undernutrition, and exposure to ultraviolet rays. The study aims to assess the early signs of clinical symptoms and nutritional status of head and neck cancer patients. The prospective study design was conducted in the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Medicine, Sir Sunder Lal Hospital, BHU Varanasi. A purposive sampling technique was used to obtain data from the patients attending OPD with the help of self-structured questionnaire in regard to social demographic profile, material habits, nutritional status and clinical signs and symptoms of the treatment of head and neck cancer. Twenty patients were selected in the study which were adult individuals diagnosed with H&N cancer and were referred for radiation with or without chemotherapy treatment. The average age of the subject was between 50 to 60 years with maximum reported cases of oral cancers followed by oropharynx and larynx. Presence of deleterious habits including tobacco, cigarette, alcohol, and betel quid (paan) in all subjects prior to the diagnosis of H&N cancer. All subjects had low-calorie, protein, carbohydrate, and fat content with 20% of cases reported to be underweight prior to treatment. A higher significant association was found across cancer type and clinical symptoms in terms of persistent sore, dryness in the mouth, growth of lumps and thickness of skin, change in voice, difficulty in eating, and swelling, with the least significant association in change of taste. The prevalence of Head and neck cancer cases is increasing at an alarming rate. However, a lack of awareness towards clinical symptoms and nutritional intervention therapy exacerbates the situation. Further, upcoming researches should focus on developing modified therapeutic diets and health supplements for preventing post-treatment complications.