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Nutrition during treatment of head and neck cancer
Author(s) -
JONES JUDITH A.,
LANG W. PAUL
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
special care in dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1754-4505
pISSN - 0275-1879
DOI - 10.1111/j.1754-4505.1986.tb00987.x
Subject(s) - medicine , malnutrition , head and neck cancer , head and neck , radiation therapy , medical nutrition therapy , intensive care medicine , psychological intervention , cancer , physical therapy , surgery , nursing
SUMMARY The importance of nutrition during the treatment of head and neck cancers has been discussed in relation to oral health. The side effects of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are described as well as their effects on nutrition. Common presentations of therapy‐induced malnutrition are presented. Parameters for nutritional assessment are listed and an instrument is proposed to assist with the monitoring of nutritional status and to aid in organizing interventions that support adequate nutrition. The practitioner who is capable of recognizing and helps to prevent nutritional deficiencies in patients with head and neck cancers provides a valuable service that increases the comfort of the patient and improves the prognosis for successful therapy.