Factors associated with malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer.

Conclusions: Comorbidities as well as T classification were the primary determinants for the nutritional status of patients with head and neck cancer.

Objectives: We aimed to elucidate the underlying conditions of malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 726 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer between 2004 and 2013. Associations between malnutrition and clinical parameters were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: Median body mass index was 21.5 (range 11.6-38.0). According to World Health Organization criteria, the nutritional status of these patients was classified into four groups: underweight (18%), normal (63%), overweight (17%), and obese (1%). Comorbidities were detected in 40% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed the following factors to be independent factors associated with malnutrition: advanced T stage, metachronous cancer, collagen disease, gastrointestinal disease, and pulmonary disease.