The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of head and neck cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious consequences of lockdown and social distancing. The psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group are still unknown, and we want to explore how their quality of life (QoL) has changed in this unique situation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey, composed of pandemic-specific items, plus the EORTC QLQ-C30, was administered to a cohort of HNC survivors. Using previously published reference values as a control group, we have evaluated the impact of the pandemic on their QoL. We have also explored the differences between those who had received a total laryngectomy (LP, laryngectomized population) vs other HNC patients, in order to assess the role of tracheostomy in this regard. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one HNC patients completed the survey. The scores of the physical (80.5 vs 85, p = 0.028), role (78 vs 84, p = 0.030), and emotional functioning (76 vs 81, p = 0.041) were significantly different in the two groups, with worse functioning in our patients. Comparing LP with the other HNC patients, social (76.6 vs 88.9, p = 0.008) and physical functioning (75.5 vs 86.1, p = 0.006) were significantly worse in the former group. LP also reported a greater perception that others are afraid to be close to them (1.67 vs 1.32, p = 0.020). No differences were found between LP with and without voice prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show how HNC patients are at high risk for a worsening in QoL because of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

The clinical consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown: A report from an Italian referral ENT department.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical effects of health care reorganization because of COVID-19, in a non-red zone Italian referral department of Otorhinolaryngology. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the statistics of admissions to the Emergency Department (ED) of the Careggi University Hospital, Florence, from January 1, 2020, to May 17, 2020. Data regarding elective and urgent head and neck disorders were reviewed and the most challenging cases were discussed. Results: During the lockdown period, outpatient otolaryngological consultations and elective procedures decreased by 78% and 75% respectively, while emergency/urgency surgery increased by 128%. The five most emblematic clinical cases were thoroughly analyzed. Conclusion: Our analysis shows how the profound rearrangement of clinical and surgical activities, along with the citizens' fear to seek medical care has probably exacerbated the management of many routine head and neck conditions. Level of Evidence: 4.