The xerostomia and its influence on quality of life of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE To observe xerostomia and its effect on quality of life of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after radiotherapy and discuss related factors that may improve the patients' quality of life. METHODS Seventy-nine nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were given a questionnaire in clinic regarding xerostomia 1 year following radiotherapy. Its severity and effect on the quality of life were studied. RESULTS Xerostomia was found in all 79 patients. Moderate to severe xerostomia occurred in 74.7 % of the patients. Of the 79 patients, 13.9 % often drank water at night, 74.7 % needed to drink water while eating, 59.5 % felt difficulties speaking and 91.1 % thought that their daily life was effected significantly. CONCLUSION The occurrence rate of xerostomia was very high in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after radiotherapy. 74.7 % of the patients suffered from moderate to severe xerostomia and the daily life of the 91.1 % of patients was effected significantly.