One-year quality of life and functional outcomes of transoral robotic surgery for carcinoma of unknown primary.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) outcomes in patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP).

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with CUP were administered the Head and Neck Cancer Inventory (HNCI) prospectively to evaluate QOL preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

There was statistically and clinically significant deterioration in 2 of 4 domains (eating and social disruption) in the immediate aftermath of TORS. There was statistically and clinically meaningful deterioration in all 4 domains at 3 months relative to baseline, and there remained statistically and clinically meaningful deterioration in 2 of 4 domains at 6 months compared to baseline. These 2 domains remained statistically and clinically worse than baseline at 12 months. Speech and aesthetics domain scores were comparable at baseline and 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Patients reported difficulties with eating and social disruption over the course of 1 year, but problems with speech and appearance abated.