Instruments for estimation of health-related quality of life in patients with skull base neoplasms.

With advances in treatment of patients with tumors of the skull base and associated improvement in length of survival, the need for assessment of quality of life (QOL) is becoming increasingly apparent. A thorough assessment of QOL, including functional, physical, social, and emotional status, as well as disease-specific symptoms, allows for comparison of treatments and informs treatment decisions. In addition, it allows for problems following intervention to be identified and addressed, thereby assisting patients in their pursuits of returning to their normal activities and level of functioning. Although health care providers and researchers are increasingly aware of the need to assess patients' QOL, few standardized measures exist with which to perform a comprehensive assessment of QOL in patients with skull base neoplasms. Further research is needed, including prospective trials using reliable and valid measures tapping various aspects of QOL and specific symptoms unique to patients with tumors of the skull base.