Supportive care for ENT cancers

Taking care of the patient as a whole, by identifying and managing other pathologies from which they may suffer, is essential. Pain, malnutrition, physical deconditioning, and mental state are all elements that can lead to poor tolerance of treatments and occurrence of complications during the course of care.

Indeed, more than half of the patients with ENT cancer are malnourished and present physical deconditioning upon diagnosis. To mitigate this, a dietary consultation evaluating the nutritional status is systematically recommended. Following this consultation, renutrition measures (blood work, vitamin supplementation, prescription of food supplements, sometimes the installation of a nasogastric tube or even the placement of a gastrostomy tube) are implemented.

The provision of supportive care is a key aspect of oncology management. It also focuses on several essential aspects - pain management, psychological follow-up, and encouragement of meetings with patient care organizations. As the cessation of substance use (alcohol, tobacco) is crucial to the success of the treatment, treatment by an addictologist is suggested.