• Cindy L Carmack, Monica T Agosta, Sujin Ann-Yi, and Eduardo Bruera.
• Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
• J Palliat Med. 2023 Jul 1; 26 (7): 102010231020-1023.

AbstractIntroduction: Head and neck cancer patients have high rates of psychological distress, which may be exacerbated by the treatments they receive. Many patients who undergo radiation therapy report significant anxiety associated with the thermoplastic mask required for immobilization during treatment. Case Description: This report presents two examples of head and neck cancer patients reporting high mask anxiety, along with a history of claustrophobia, who expressed concern about their abilities to initiate and adhere to treatment. Both were referred to supportive care psychology before radiation treatment initiation. With counseling and the use of systematic desensitization, they were successfully able to complete their treatments. Discussion: Results of these case reports highlight the value of integrating early supportive care in the treatment of head and neck cancer and support the need for further study in future randomized controlled trials.

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