Physical Function and Quality of Life across Cachexia Stages in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Cachexia is a complex syndrome marked by progressive loss of muscle and fat, leading to functional decline and reduced Quality of Life (QoL). The impact of cachexia in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) remains an underexplored area. They are particularly vulnerable because of swallowing difficulties and early weight loss, which predispose them to cachexia even at diagnosis. Since conventional measures such as skeletal muscle mass are not routinely practiced, there is a need to identify si