The impact of surgery for oral cancer on quality of life as measured by the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36.

Quality of life evaluation is an important measure of outcome following the treatment of head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients undergoing primary surgery for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. 50 consecutive patients with previously untreated oral cancer were assessed using two questionnaires, the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36) and University of Washington Head and Neck Questionnaire (UW-QOL) at four time intervals; pretreatment, and 3, 6, 12 months. At the time of presentation, patients with oral cancer scored lower than norms, particularly for physical role limitation, mental role limitation, and social functioning. At 3 months following surgery, there was a considerable deterioration in physical functioning, limitation of physical role, energy and general health perception. By 12 months postoperatively patients approached pretreatment scores. The SF-36 and UW-QOL provide outcome information suitable for international comparison.