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DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1263074
Nutrition in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Publication History
Publication Date:
20 August 2010 (online)
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ABSTRACT
Anorexia and cachexia frequently complicate the late stages of malignancy and can be a prominent feature of early disease. The resulting weight loss significantly affects the morbidity and mortality of the cancer patient. A fundamental understanding of nutrition and the pathophysiology of cancer cachexia will aid in diligent treatment decisions to achieve optimal results. The pathophysiology of cancer cachexia is discussed, together with methods of nutritional assessment, nutritional requirements, and postoperative nutritional support. The advantages and disadvantages of the various modes of parenteral and enteral feeding are presented, together with information about enteral feeding in the home.
KEYWORDS
Cachexia - malnutrition - nutritional support - percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
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Prashanth VarkeyM.Ch.
Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Jubilee Mission Hospital, Thrissur
Kerala, India 680005
Email: drpvarkey@gmail.com