title: Quality of life of patients surgically treated for ameloblastoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The surgical management of ameloblastoma can have a profound functional and psychological effect on a patient's quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to compare the pre- and post-operative QoL outcomes of patients requiring surgical treatment for ameloblastoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total number of 30 patients were identified as fulfilling the criteria for this study. They included 18 males and 12 females, aged between 14 and 47 years with a mean of 27.3 years (standard deviation 10.2). Each patient completed a modified version of the University of Washington QoL questionnaire version 4, a day to surgery and postoperatively on the 7(th) day, 3 months, and 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following surgical treatment of patients for ameloblastoma, the QoL decreased immediately after surgery. It then gradually improved over time and exceeded the preoperative value at 6 months postoperatively. When analyzed with respect to location, posteriorly placed tumors had the best postoperative QoL outcome. Patients expressed concern more about their appearance preoperatively while postoperative concerns were mostly focused on their ability to chew.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Significant improvement occurred in QoL scores following surgical management of ameloblastoma. The small sample size utilized in this study limits a definitive conclusion. A larger multicenter study is therefore recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Federal Medical Center, Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Hammed Sikiru
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Lawal
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Rafel Adetokunbo
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Adebola
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Juwon Tunde
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Arotiba
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ibiyinka Olushola
authors.initials: IO
authors.lastname: Amole
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Akinwale Adeyemi
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Efunkoya
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Uchenna Kelvin
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Omeje
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Taiwo Gboluwaga
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Amole
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Joshua Biodun
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Adeoye
keywords: Ameloblastoma; quality of life; surgical treatment