BACKGROUND: Quality of life is extraordinary affected by malignant tumors of the head and neck region as functions of social interaction are disturbed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The influence of surgical treatment and postoperative radio(chemo)therapy (RCT) on the quality of life was studied in patients with head and neck cancer. Twenty patients treated with curative intention completed the questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 at three time points. RESULTS: In most questions, patients reported poorer quality of life after RCT compared to postoperatively. Most of these differences were not significant. However, global quality of life and overall health was significantly worse after RCT as compared to postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Both operation and postoperative RCT, lead to decreased quality of life in patients with a head and neck cancer. In comparison, RCT seems to have a more pronounced effect on the quality of life than operative therapy.
BACKGROUND: Quality of life is extraordinary affected by malignant tumors of the head and neck region as functions of social interaction are disturbed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The influence of surgical treatment and postoperative radio(chemo)therapy (RCT) on the quality of life was studied in patients with head and neck cancer. Twenty patients treated with curative intention completed the questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 at three time points. RESULTS: In most questions, patients reported poorer quality of life after RCT compared to postoperatively. Most of these differences were not significant. However, global quality of life and overall health was significantly worse after RCT as compared to postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Both operation and postoperative RCT, lead to decreased quality of life in patients with a head and neck cancer. In comparison, RCT seems to have a more pronounced effect on the quality of life than operative therapy.
Authors: K Bjordal; A de Graeff; P M Fayers; E Hammerlid; C van Pottelsberghe; D Curran; M Ahlner-Elmqvist; E J Maher; J W Meyza; A Brédart; A L Söderholm; J J Arraras; J S Feine; H Abendstein; R P Morton; T Pignon; P Huguenin; A Bottomly; S Kaasa Journal: Eur J Cancer Date: 2000-09 Impact factor: 9.162
Authors: K Bjordal; M Ahlner-Elmqvist; E Hammerlid; M Boysen; J F Evensen; A Biörklund; M Jannert; T Westin; S Kaasa Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2001-08 Impact factor: 3.325
Authors: K Bjordal; E Hammerlid; M Ahlner-Elmqvist; A de Graeff; M Boysen; J F Evensen; A Biörklund; J R de Leeuw; P M Fayers; M Jannert; T Westin; S Kaasa Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 1999-03 Impact factor: 44.544
Authors: Lisette van der Molen; Maya A van Rossum; Lori M Burkhead; Ludi E Smeele; Frans J M Hilgers Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2008-09-30 Impact factor: 2.503