Abstract
It is often difficult to accomplish a standard therapeutic course in cases of head and neck cancer associated with psychiatric disorders. We reviewed 27 cases of patients with head and neck cancer associated with psychiatric disorders who received hospital treatment between January 2008 and June 2013. Their treatment courses and treatment complications were investigated.
Six cases could not start treatment for cancer because of severe dementia. In cases of radiotherapy, most patients made their psychiatric disorder worse to a greater or lesser extent because of a prolonged therapeutic period. Some of them also developed additional physical complications that led to cessation of the radiotherapy. In cases of surgical therapy, half of them revealed postoperative deliria, and the incidence rate of complications related to surgical reconstruction was relatively high.
Comprehensive evaluation of cancer staging, physical condition and psychosocial background is required for determination of treatment strategy in case of head and neck cancer associated with psychiatric disorders.
