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Stewart, Donna (2024) The dental experiences of the head and neck cancer patient: "Just don't mention my teeth again": an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
Background:
Head and neck cancer (HNC) presents many challenges to the individual and is arguably one of the most complex and psychologically impacting of all cancers. As part of the treatment pathway HNC patients undergo a dental evaluation and this coupled with treatment can leave the individual with enduring problems and complications including functional impairment and adjustment difficulties. The current study considered the experience of undergoing dental work as a HNC cancer patient and observed how this could present another layer of distress.
Method:
A qualitative research methodology based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 6 participants who experienced dental extractions. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Findings:
The findings indicate that the dental aspect of the treatment pathway was the first most significantly intrusive for participants. This was also due to this aspect of the overall treatment pathway as being often presented as an additional, unexpected challenge for the head and neck cancer patient which appeared to have a detrimental impact to quality of life.
Conclusion:
The findings presented contribute to the emerging body of research into the dental experiences of HNC patients and provides information for others with an interest in this area by highlighting the significance of factors affecting the communication prior to, during and post treatment, including the overall experience and impact of having dental extractions. This qualitative study provides an insight into how such an invasive intervention may lead to an unsettling and potentially traumatic experience for the individual and can contribute to enhancing clinician and patient communication and to enhancing future care.
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