ABSTRACT
Introduction: Quality of life is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to changes in the daily routine, there was a change in the psychosocial functioning of individuals. Given that laryngectomized patients belong to a vulnerable group that requires psychological support after surgery, specific epidemiological measures during the COVID-19 pandemic could only further increase the fear and reluctance that is especially pronounced after surgery. Aim(s): The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a link between the quality of life of laryngectomized patients and the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): The literature review was performed through the Google Scholar Advanced Search search engine and the Consortium of Libraries of Serbia for Unified Acqusition - KoBSON. Result(s): The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the emotional well-being of patients with head and neck cancer. These patients became even more anxious due to the high mortality from the COVID-19 viral infection, hospital occupancy and missed therapeutic examinations. The need for togetherness, impaired concentration and attention, irritability and fear that family members might suffer from a deadly disease were the most common behavioral problems identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion(s): The psychological burden associated with the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic should not be overlooked, given the fact that laryngectomized patients have twice the risk of suicide compared to patients who have undergone other types of cancer. Assessing the quality of life in laryngectomized patients is very important because it enables the timely identification of mental disorders and suggests the necessary support measures.Copyright © 2022 Sciendo. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction:In addition to the characteristic clinical picture of respiratory infection, patients with COVID-19 can also be diagnosed with oral manifestations.Aim: The aim of this study was to review current literature for the prevalence of changes in the oral cavity i.e., the presence of oral symptoms in patients with COVID-19, in order to indicate that oral manifestations may occur due to viral infection with SARS-CoV-2.Methods: Important information relevant to the study was obtained by searching the available electronic PubMed and Google Scholar database.Results: Oral lesions were found in different locations in patients with COVID-19: tongue mucosa (dorsum and lateral sides of the tongue), buccal mucosa, hard and soft palate, inner lip and gingiva. The most common were ulcerations in different parts of the oral cavity. It is still unclear whether oral lesions in SARS-CoV-2 virus infection were a consequence of the primary effect of the virus itself or a secondary manifestation of the infection. The high presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in oral epithelial cells of the tongue and salivary glands indicates that the oral cavity may be particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Taste disorder is the most common oral symptom in patients with COVID-19.Conclusion: Oral lesions, xerostomia, taste disorders can occur in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Therefore, a comprehensive intraoral examination is necessary in order to determine changes in the oral cavity and apply proper treatment © 2021. Medicinski fakultet Niš. Klinika za stomatologiju Niš. Sva prava zadržana