Assessing the Impact of Radiation Therapy-Induced Voice Problems on Quality of Life in Non-Laryngeal Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: One of the side effects of radiation therapy for non-laryngeal head and neck cancers is laryngeal damage, leading to vocal disorders. Considering the impact of voice on the patient's quality of life, the long-term follow-up after treatment using a voice handicap index questionnaire is the aim of this study. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study included 30 patients with non-laryngeal head and neck cancers and 30 normal individuals. Specialized examinations have confirmed damage in the larynx. The VHI Questionnaire subgroup scores were assessed at 6 and 24 months post-treatment, along with the voice quality of patients and a control group at 24 months post-treatment. Pearson's correlation coefficient test was used to assess the relationship between each sub-group of the questionnaire at the two mentioned time points. Findings: The patients' examination results revealed a significant decrease in the total questionnaire scores from 19.8 at 6 months to 11.37 at 24 months post-treatment (P < 0.05). The study found no significant difference between the patient and control groups after 24 months (P < 0.05). The questionnaire sub-group scores showed a negative correlation, indicating a trend of decreasing scores at the final follow-up. Conclusion: This study showed that after the treatment, the radiation damage decreased over time and improved the patient's quality of life. © 2025 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.