Facial pain, health-related quality of life and trismus-related symptoms up to 5 years post-radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

PurposePain is a frequent symptom of head and neck cancer (HNC) but longitudinal studies investigating facial pain are scarce. We aimed to investigate prevalence of facial pain, its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and trismus-related symptoms in a HNC cohort.MethodsPatients (n = 194) were prospectively followed post completion of radiotherapy (RT). Outcome measures included facial pain, HRQL, trismus-specific symptoms, and maximal interincisal opening (MIO).ResultsFacial pain was reported by 50% at baseline. Corresponding figures for 3-, 12-, and 60 months post-RT were 70%, 54% and 41%. Moderate to severe pain was reported in 29-44% of patients reporting pain during the study period. Patients reporting pain scored significantly worse on more HRQL variables and trismus symptoms, as well as had significantly smaller MIO at all follow-up time points.ConclusionsFacial pain was common in HNC patients pre- and post-RT and remained prevalent up to 5 years after completion of RT. Reductions in MIO were associated with more facial pain. Pain was also associated with worse HRQL.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of facial pain in head and neck cancer patients and its impact on health-related quality of life and trismus symptoms. The results showed that facial pain remained common after radiotherapy and was associated with poorer quality of life and trismus symptoms.