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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-11-2009 | Review Article

A descriptive review of the factors contributing to nutritional compromise in patients with head and neck cancer

Authors: Martin R. Chasen, Ravi Bhargava

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 11/2009

Abstract

Introduction

Malnutrition has been known to be associated with adverse outcomes in cancer patients. Patients who have been and/or are being treated for head and neck cancer have a compromised nutritional status. Nutritional deficits have a significant impact on mortality, morbidity, and quality of life.

Discussion

The wasting in cancer cachexia involves loss of muscle and fat and reflects a catabolic metabolism induced by an abnormal host response to tumor presence and/or tumor factors. Disturbances of various physiological functions like taste, smell, dysphagia, xerostomia apart from cachexia can contribute to long-term nutritional complications and outcome.

Conclusion

Improved management of patients in posttreatment for head and neck cancer may require a multimodal approach by a multidisciplinary team and is best commenced earlier in the trajectory of the disease.

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Title: A descriptive review of the factors contributing to nutritional compromise in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Martin R. Chasen
Ravi Bhargava
Publication date: 01-11-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 11/2009
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-009-0684-5

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