Assessment of Surgical Treatment Impact on the Quality of Life in 57 Cases of Patients with a Giant Tumor in the Head and Neck Region

Abstract

Quality of life (QOL) is an important factor to take into consideration in the treatment for giant head and neck tumor. The purpose of this study is to evaluate surgical treatment impact on the quality of life in 57 cases of patients with a giant tumor in the head and neck region. The patients were divided into two groups: a benign group (21 cases; 36.84 %) and a malignant group (36 cases; 63.16 %). QOL was assessed using the Performance status scale for head and neck cancer patients (PSS-HN) and the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaires before and 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after surgical treatment respectively. Fifty-seven of the 71 questionnaires (80.28 %) were completed for both PSS-HN and UW-QOL at one or two times during the treatment and follow-up periods. The appearance was improved in giant benign head and neck tumor group, but deteriorated significantly in malignant group. The QOL in patients deteriorated by surgical treatment but it could be improved over time. PSS-HN, in conjunction with UW-QOL, can provides a valuable tool for the assessment of quality of life in giant tumor of head and neck before, during and after treatment with surgery.