Stefania Sivero

Introduction Cancer is among the most frequent pathologies and a major cause of death and disability. Scientific research and surgeons focus mainly on aspects relating to etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, but often neglect the psychological needs of patients and related social factors. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological and social needs of patients affected by head and neck cancer to improve patient management and achieve more empathetic care. Materials and methods The Need Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ) was administered to adult patients who had to undergo surgery in 4 Italian tertiary head and neck cancer centers the day before the operation. Results 188 patients affected by stage I-IV head and neck tumors were enrolled. The main needs expressed by patients fall under the categories of either “information and dialogue”, (64.3% more information about future conditions, 50% more information about treatments, 45% more information about the diagnosis, 44% more reassurance) or “spiritual support” (50% need to talk to someone who had the same experience as them). Conclusions Common methods of explaining diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis have proven unsatisfactory to patients and most also require more psychosocial support. This highlights the need to implement interventions and activities that are increasingly geared toward supporting the psychological and relational aspects of the care journey.

Article: Screening of discomfort and mood disorders in patients who are candidates for surgery for head and neck cancer: sociodemographic predictors - Chirurgia 2024 April;37(2):68-72 - Minerva Medica - Journals

BACKGROUND: Total laryngectomy represents the surgical procedure necessary for the treatment of some advanced neo-plasms of the hypopharyngeal-laryngeal district and involves strong functional, physical and emotional repercussions. This research investigated the way in which the rehabilitation methods, used to improve the communicative needs of laryn-gectomized patients, influence their perceived quality of life.METHOD: The questionnaires "V-RQoL" and "SECEL" were administered to 45 patients divided into four groups on the basis of the type of vicarious voice: group TE (27 patients), group E (7 patients), group EL (2 patients), group NV (9 patients).RESULTS: Patients using electrical or tracheo-esophageal prostheses reported a better quality of life than patients with an erythromophonic voice. Regarding postoperative satisfaction, the group with esophageal voice was the most satisfied.CONCLUSIONS: The results lead us to emphasize the importance of preoperative counseling to make the patient as aware as possible of his future condition.