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Psychosocial adjustment of patients surgically treated for head and neck cancer
Author(s) -
Gamba Alessio,
Romano Maria,
Grosso Llaria M.,
Tamburini Marcello,
Cantú Giulio,
Molinari Roberto,
Ventafridda Vittorio
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.2880140309
Subject(s) - disfigurement , psychosocial , medicine , head and neck , head and neck cancer , rehabilitation , surgery , cancer , minor (academic) , physical therapy , psychiatry , political science , law
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 < 0.05), a worsened relationship with the partner (27% vs 0%, P < 0.05), a reduced sexuality (74% vs 39%, P < 0.01), and an increased social isolation (36% vs 12%, P < 0.05). On the whole, 18% of the subjects stated that the disadvantages of therapy outweighed the advantages, and 30% felt that the difficulties encountered were “too harsh.” In such cases, the opportunity of setting up a rehabilitation program offering psychosocial support should be considered.