Prevalence of Malnutrition in Head and Neck Cancer

Background: Head and neck cancers, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma, are highly prevalent in Pakistan. Malnutrition is a frequent but underdiagnosed complication in these patients, adversely affecting treatment outcomes and overall prognosis. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer admitted for treatment at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from December 2024 to May 2024. A total of 105 histologically confirmed oral cancer patients aged 18–70 years were included. Nutritional status was assessed through weight loss, BMI, and muscle mass evaluation based on predefined operational definitions. Results: Among 105 patients, 67.6% were male and 32.4% were female, with a mean age of 49.6 ± 10.2 years. Out of 105 patients, 60.0% were moderatley-nourished, while 27.6% were well and 12.4% were severely malnourished. The average BMI was 20.6 kg/m², which is close to the lower limit of normal. Weight loss of more than 5% over the past month was observed in 37.1% of participants, and reduced muscle mass was found in 30.5%, indicating significant protein-energy malnutrition in a sizable subset of the cohort Conclusion: It is concluded that malnutrition is prevalent among patients with head and neck cancers in Pakistan, particularly those presenting with advanced-stage disease and substance addiction. Early screening and nutritional interventions are essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment-related complications.