Correlation between subjective evaluation of symptoms and objective findings in early recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
23788001
Abstract
IMPORTANCE
This study addresses the value of patients' reported symptoms as markers of tumor recurrence after definitive therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the correlation between patients' symptoms and objective findings in the diagnosis of local and/or regional recurrences of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in the first 2 years of follow-up.
DESIGN
Retrospective single-institution study of a prospectively collected database.
SETTING
Regional hospital.
PARTICIPANTS
We reviewed the clinical records of patients treated for oral cavity, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal carcinomas between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Correlation between symptoms and oncologic status (recurrence vs remission) in the posttreatment period.
RESULTS
Of the 101 patients included, 30 had recurrences. Pain, odynophagia, and dysphonia were independently correlated with recurrence (odds ratios, 16.07, 11.20, and 5.90, respectively; P < .001). New-onset symptoms had the best correlation with recurrences. Correlation was better between 6 to 12 and 18 to 21 months after therapy and in patients initially treated unimodally (P < .05). Primary stage and tumor site had no effect.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The correlation between symptoms and oncologic status is low during substantial periods within the first 2 years of follow-up. New-onset symptoms, especially pain, odynophagia, or dysphonia, better correlate with tumor recurrence, especially in patients treated unimodally.
This study addresses the value of patients' reported symptoms as markers of tumor recurrence after definitive therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the correlation between patients' symptoms and objective findings in the diagnosis of local and/or regional recurrences of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in the first 2 years of follow-up.
DESIGN
Retrospective single-institution study of a prospectively collected database.
SETTING
Regional hospital.
PARTICIPANTS
We reviewed the clinical records of patients treated for oral cavity, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal carcinomas between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Correlation between symptoms and oncologic status (recurrence vs remission) in the posttreatment period.
RESULTS
Of the 101 patients included, 30 had recurrences. Pain, odynophagia, and dysphonia were independently correlated with recurrence (odds ratios, 16.07, 11.20, and 5.90, respectively; P < .001). New-onset symptoms had the best correlation with recurrences. Correlation was better between 6 to 12 and 18 to 21 months after therapy and in patients initially treated unimodally (P < .05). Primary stage and tumor site had no effect.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The correlation between symptoms and oncologic status is low during substantial periods within the first 2 years of follow-up. New-onset symptoms, especially pain, odynophagia, or dysphonia, better correlate with tumor recurrence, especially in patients treated unimodally.
Date Issued
2013-07
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Nisa, Lluís | |
La Macchia, Riccardo | |
Boujelbene, Noureddine | |
Sandu, Kishore | |
Khanfir, Kaouthar |
Additional Credits
Journal
JAMA Otolaryngology. Head & Neck Surgery
Publisher
American Medical Association
ISSN
2168-6181
Access(Rights)
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