Neuropathic pain at diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of neuropathic pain (NP) at diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its impact on nutritional status and treatment tolerance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated for HNSCC between January 1, 2018 and January 30, 2019 were included. Pain was assessed prospectively on the DN2 and NSPI scales. Epidemiological characteristics, nutritional status and treatment tolerance were collected. Two groups were distinguished according to absence or presence of neuropathic pain (NP-, NP+). RESULTS: Sixty patients were included. NP prevalence at diagnosis was 54%, mainly involving locally advanced oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors. There was a significant intergroup difference in nutritional status, with 62% malnutrition in NP+ versus 32% in NP- (p=0.0321). There was no such difference in tolerance. CONCLUSION: NP is frequent at diagnosis of HNSCC. Early diagnosis on a simple validated score can help improve quality of life and nutritional status.