Quantifying fibrosis in head and neck cancer treatment: An overview. Issue 8 (11th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moloney, Emma C.; Brunner, Markus; Alexander, Ashlin J.; Clark, Jonathan; Eisele, David W.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 37:Issue 8(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1225
• Page End: 1231
• Publication Date: 2014-07-11
• Subjects: Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.23722
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="hed23722-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Fibrosis is a common late complication of radiotherapy and/or surgical treatment for head and neck cancers. Fibrosis is difficult to quantify and formal methods of measure are not well recognized. The purpose of this review was to summarize the methods available to quantify neck fibrosis.</p> </sec> <sec id="hed23722-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A PubMed search of articles was carried out using key words "neck" and "fibrosis."</p> </sec> <sec id="hed23722-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Many methods have been used to assess fibrosis, however, there is no preferred methodology. Specific to neck fibrosis, most studies have relied upon hand palpation rating scales. Indentation and suction techniques have been used to mechanically quantify neck fibrosis. There is scope to develop applications of ultrasound, dielectric, bioimpedance, and MRI techniques for use in the neck region.</p> </sec> <sec id="hed23722-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Quantitative assessment of neck fibrosis is sought after in order to compare treatment regimens and improve quality of life outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. <italic>Head Neck</italic><bold>37:</bold> 1225–1231, 2015</p> </sec> </abstract>