Prospective evaluation of the quality of life of oral tongue cancer patients before and after the treatment

Abstract

Background: This prospective study was to evaluate the changes in quality of life (QOL) after 12 months post treatment from their pre-treatment levels, using specific questionnaires of well-known acceptability, responsiveness, and validity, with special emphasis on domains such as chewing, swallowing, speech, psychological aspects (mood and anxiety) and pain.

Methods: This prospective analytical study included a total of 72 patients affected by oral tongue cancer (T1-2N0M0) who underwent treatment [wide local excision with selective + radiotherapy (RT)] from 2009 to 2012 at the Department of Oncosurgery and Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

Results: A total of 39 (54.2%) patients were eligible for the study. Death occurred in 12 patients, four patients had disease recurrence and 17 patients lost to follow up. QOL in five domains was improved, there was significant improvement in pain scores [mean difference (-)17.94], overall activity of the patient was significantly improved (-13.46), recreational activities were also significantly improved (-8.33) and mental status of patient which included the mood and anxiety level were also significantly improved (-13.71 and -11.53) respectively. In seven domains which included the appearance of the patient (32.05), swallowing (16.41), chewing (24.35), speech (29.48), shoulder pain and discomfort (6.92), taste (35.12) and saliva production scores (20.51) were significantly worse.

Conclusions: By our study we can strongly recommend that oral tongue cancers if diagnosed at early stages and without any neck node (T1-2N0M0) can be easily managed without compromising the QOL of the patients significantly.

Keywords: Quality of life (QOL); University of Washington Quality of life Questionnaire (UW-QOL); pre and post treatment; tongue cancer.