[Quality of life evolution in patients after surgical treatment of laryngeal, hypopharyngeal or oropharyngeal carcinoma].

INTRODUCTION: The assessment of quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer is dependent on many variables.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in quality of life among patients treated with conservative or radical surgery for laryngeal, oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, evaluated before and at 3 and 6 months after definitive therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective study between November 2008 and June 2009 on 53 patients diagnosed and treated for head and neck carcinoma with surgery: partial (n=32) and radical (n=21). Quality of life was evaluated using the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) general questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30 and its specific head and neck EORTC QLQ-H&N35 before treatment, and at 3 and 6 months afterwards.

RESULTS: No significant differences were found in overall health. Patients experienced the greatest changes in functional scale. There were no changes in swallowing problems or feeling of disease, while evident phonation problems were present in both groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The routine application of quality of life questionnaires in cancer patients improves information regarding how and to what extent patients feel that treatment and its sequelae modify it, making it possible to adapt rehabilitation and support programs to their real needs. This data helps in choosing between different options depending on the results, delivering improved care to patients.