The value of routine follow-up after treatment for head and neck cancer. A National Survey from DAHANCA

• DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2012.741324
• Publication Date: 2013-01-16T10:31:27Z
• Authors: Anja Pagh; Thomas Vedtofte; Charlotte Duch Ly...; Niclas Rubek; Matilde Lonka; Jørgen Johansen; Elo Andersen; Claus Andrup Kris...; Christian von Buc...; Maria Andersen; Christian Godballe; Jens Overgaard; Cai Grau
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Adolescent; Databases, Factual; Denmark; Databases; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Predictive Value of Tests; 80 and over; Humans; Factual; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Data Collection; Carcinoma; Continuity of Patient Care; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; Neoplasm Recurrence; Squamous Cell; Local; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Female; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Follow-Up Studies

Background. The post-treatment follow-up is well-integrated in the oncologic care tradition, based on risk of developing recurrent disease or new primary tumors treated patients. Furthermore, serves as an opportunity to monitor treatment effects and provide clinical side effects. In this study we measured activity effectiveness routine head neck cancer assessed value from perspectives both physicians Patients methods. During a period six weeks prospective national cross section cohort 619 patients attending regular were enrolled. All had received intended curative for all followed according DAHANCA guidelines. Data collected by physician filling registration form containing chosen key parameters validated questionnaire. Results. majority (91%) visits was planned, 75% included either tumor treatment-related problems. Suspicion led further diagnostic work-up 80 (13%). A total 29 recurrences found, these seven (25%) asymptomatic, i.e. "number needed see" detect one asymptomatic recurrence 99. Treatment-related normal-tissue problems addressed 72% visits, among 18% required intervention. Although (either suspicion late effects) occurred within few years after treatment, 39% seen three also (97%) expressed satisfaction with planned follow-up. Conclusion. Only relapses are found at follow-up, silent detected per 99 visits. However, survivors have substantial need management sequelae. context, centralized may still be worthwhile.