HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer: The Nurse's Role in Patient Management of Treatment-Related Sequelae.

Background: Patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) make up about 3% of all new cancer cases in the United States, with increasing numbers of these patients being diagnosed aged younger than 45 years and with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive disease. Treatment effects may alter patients' physical and mental states during and after treatment.

Objectives: This article provides an overview of possible OPC treatment long-term effects to equip oncology nurses with information needed to empower patients with OPC to perform self-care.

Skin changes.

The response of skin to irradiation is highly complex and is dependent on many radiation-related, patient-related, and treatment-related factors. No standardized treatment of skin reactions related to radiation exists at this time. Ongoing research studying acute and late skin effects works to minimize reactions and improve patient quality-of-life.