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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Morbidity of the neck after head and neck cancer therapy
C Paul van Wilgen1, Pieter U Dijkstra, Berend F A M van der Laan
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. c.p.van.wilgen@rev.azg.nl
Background:
Studies on morbidity of the neck after head and neck cancer therapy are scarcely described.
Methods:
Patients who underwent surgery, including neck dissection, with and without radiation therapy at least 1 year before the study were asked to participate. We assessed neck pain, loss of sensation, range of motion of the cervical spine, and shoulder pain.
Results:
Of the 220 patients who were invited, 153 (70%) participated in the study. Neck pain was present in 33% of the patients (n = 51), and shoulder pain was present in 37% of the patients (n = 57). Neuropathic pain of the neck was present in 32% (n = 49); myofascial pain, in 46% (n = 70); and joint pain, in 24% (n = 37). Loss of sensation of the neck was present in 65% (n = 99) and was related to type of neck dissection and radiation therapy. Range of motion of the neck was significantly decreased because of the neck dissection and/or radiation therapy in lateral flexion away from the operated side.
Conclusions:
The occurrences of morbidity of the neck after cancer therapy were considerable and consisted of neck pain, loss of sensation, and decreased range of motion.
