Psychological stress and psychiatric comorbidities in the treatment of dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer

Background Dysphagia, along with dysphonia and dyspnea, is undoubtedly one of the major problems in the treatment of head and neck tumors. However, impairment of the ability to swallow has many different aspects. Objective This article aims to shed light on the interactions and interdependencies between dysphagia and psychological stress and psychiatric comorbidities. This should provide the basis for improved treatment coordination. Materials and methods A literature search was carried out in the PubMed database using the search terms "dysphagia AND hnc/hnscc AND psychiatric," "dysphagia AND hnc/hnscc AND psychologic," and "dysphagia AND hnc/hnscc AND stress." In addition, the authors were able to draw on their many years of experience with the treatment of patients with dysphagia on the background of head and neck tumors. Results Psychological stress and psychiatric comorbidities play a significant role in the treatment of dysphagia in patients with head and neck tumors, which makes an early examination and, if necessary, psycho-oncological intervention useful. Conclusion In our view, multidisciplinary patient care is recommended, e.g., as part of an oncology ward round with medical staff from the fields of otorhinolaryngology or oral and maxillofacial surgery, phoniatrics, and pediatric audiology as well as professionals from the fields of nursing, speech therapy, nutritional counseling, psycho-oncology, and social services.