Quality of life of patients after laryngectomy.

The article is devoted to the quality of life of patients after laryngectomy. Cancer diseases disturb feelings of safety, one's own value, self-acceptance, and independence. The investigation has been made by using the following research tools: The HAD Scale, which assesses the frequency of occurrence and intensity of fear and depression and The EORTC Scale QLQ-C30 that enables the appraisal of physical state, social functioning and coping with emotions. On the basis of the obtained results we may conclude that patients' emotional state may influence and modify the experienced physical symptoms and social functioning. The increased level of fear results in fatigue and difficulties in social functioning. Clinical depression symptoms may result in breathing disturbances and loss of appetite. Learning about side-effects of therapy and problems resulting from it may help improve patients' psychophysical comfort through education, advice, and social support.