[Quality of life of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the changes in quality of life during and after treatment in patients with cancer of the oral cavity.


METHODS
In the period between October 1999 and September 2000, 57 patients of the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, University of Cologne, underwent surgery, radiation therapy or the combination of both for the treatment of cancer of the oral cavity. Before, during and after the therapy their quality of life was measured with two psychometric scales.


RESULTS
The average loss of quality of life in the female group was less than in the male group. Younger patients suffered more than older ones did. All patients had a loss of quality of life 3 months after the beginning of the therapy. The biggest decrease was in the group of patients treated with combined therapy, and the lowest loss in the radiated group. During the assessment period of 9 months, there were significant differences between all three groups. The size of the tumor did not show any influence on the reduction of quality of life. Patients with cancer of the tongue or maxilla showed more loss of quality of life than patients with tumors located in other regions of the oral cavity.


CONCLUSIONS
Location of the tumor, age, gender of the patient, and type of therapy influenced the quality of life, while the size of the tumor did not.
Rabbels
J
J
Klinik und Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Chirurgie und für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Universität zu Köln. rabbels@web.de
Wyzisk
M
M
Siessegger
M
M
Klesper
B
B
Reuther
T
T
Kübler
A C
AC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*