Denutrition et cancers des voies aero-digestives superieures

Abstract

Head and neck cancer and its treatment are responsible in more than 30% of cases of malnutrition witch can be severe and interfere with the management of these tumors. The aim of this paper is to provide a protocol for nutritional management practices of these cancers. The malnutrition diagnosis requires an examination that must define essentially a recent weight loss and try to quantify it. Clinical examination is a crucial time in the diagnosis and classification of malnutrition severity. Biology also provides a severity evaluation but also to follow up. The management of malnutrition in head and neck cancer must be early before the cancer treatment. The oral nutrition support should always be preferred. Enteral nutritional support by nasogastric, gastrostomy or jejunostomy must be used if the oral support has failed. Parenteral nutrition retains a limited and short duration.