Life following Lateral Skull Base Tumor Treatment

Abstract

Objective: Treatment advances have evolved to prolong the duration of life in lateral skull base tumor patients, but focus is now being placed more on quality of life. The aim of this study was to help elucidate the quality of life in participants following treatment for lateral skull base tumors. Method: A total of 21 participants agreed to take part in the study. Each completed a semistructured interview, focusing on quality of life following radiotherapy or surgical treatment for different lateral skull base tumor diagnoses. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, with a thematic analysis of the transcripts undertaken. Results: Four overriding themes were identified and labeled: 1) perceptions of quality of life and coping strategies; 2) impact of specific symptoms on daily life activities; 3) initial recovery period posttreatment; 4) information surrounding treatment and administration. The majority of participants reported an indifferent or positive impact of treatment on quality of life, with various coping mechanisms such as adjustment, thinking positively, and selective attention used to deal with stressors. Many participants described frustration and concern at the lack of information surrounding management; however, others were aware of the risks of excessive information and tentative of receiving more. Conclusion: Adjustment following treatment could possibly support the phenomena of cognitive adaptation or response shift. The positive role of social support and lack of information has highlighted the need for more support in this cohort of patients, but crucially within a patient-centered holisitc framework. Implications for a tailored quality of life tool are discussed.