Care at the Close of Life: Evidence and Experience
Stephen J. McPhee, Margaret A. Winker, Michael W. Rabow, Steven Z. Pantilat, Amy J. Markowitz
Part C Disease Management
Chapter 18. Palliative Care for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: “I Would Like a Quick Return to a Normal Lifestyle”
Nathan E. Goldstein, MD, Eric Genden, MD, Sean Morrison, MD
Anxiety
Topics Discussed:
body image, cancer of head and neck, depressive disorder, quality of life
Excerpt:
"Although physical symptoms must be considered in the care of
patients with head and neck cancers, the constellation of these
symptoms and their impact on patients' body image and overall quality
of life are equally important to consider. Mr K sums up well the
frustrations experienced by this group of patients. Although cure
is possible for many, patients encounter numerous setbacks while
undergoing the procedures and healing necessary along the road to
recovery. Changes in body appearance—and body image—are
almost universal. Since the 1980s, when surgeons began to consider
aesthetics and function as well as treatment, reconstructive procedures have
improved significantly, in part because of collaboration between
otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons. Patients who undergo surgery
by a skilled surgical team may be left with little to no outward
physical changes.50 The introduction of microvascular-free
tissue transfer, a technique that transfers skin, muscle, bone,
or all 3 from 1 part of the body to the neck for reconstruction
of the tongue, jaw, and face, provided surgeons with the means to
improve a patient's quality of life by improving both functional
and cosmetic outcomes.50..."
Log in to read the full chapter:
Get full access to JAMAevidence two ways:
Subscribe to JAMAevidence
JAMAevidence is a subscription-
based website dedicated to the learning, teaching, and practicing of evidence-based medicine.
Pay Per View
Timed access to all of JAMAevidence
24 hours for $29.95
48 hours for $49.95