Quality of life assessment of oral cancer patients after mandibular resections using the University of Washington Quality of Life (Version 4) questionnaire: Reconstruction with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

Abstract

Objectives: Mandibular resection for oral cancer is a mainstay and prime requirement to achieve an acceptable boundary of tumor removal. Mandibular resection has been related with a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The objective of this study was to evaluate the HRQOL in patients who have undergone mandibular resections of oral cancer and reconstructed with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF). Patients and Methods: There were 192 consecutive patients between 2011 and 2014 who were treated for head and neck cancer; among them, 65 patients having oral cancer were treated with mandibular resections. HRQOL was assessed by the University of Washington QOL (UWQOL) questionnaire version 4 after 3–12 months postoperatively. Study Designs and Results: In the UWQOL, the best-scoring domains were shoulder, recreation, and pain, whereas the lowest scores were for speech, chewing, and swallowing. Conclusions: Mandible reconstruction with PMMF would have significant influence on patients' QOL and oral functions. The societal and literary data show a low level of education and low economic status for the majority of patients.