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[Evaluation of the handicap by means of the EORTC scale in partial glossectomies]
M Smadja1, Ch Tessier, M Ménard
1Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Unité d'Exploration Voix, Parole, Déglutition, Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, 20 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France. smadjamartine@wanadoo.fr
Objectives:
Different treatments for tongue cancer are more and more efficient but there are heavy functional and aesthetic sequels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life after partial glossectomy and to adapt the rehabilitation program after surgery.
Methods:
Our population of 16 patients (5 females and 11 males), who underwent partial glossectomy, had to quote the auto questionnaire on quality of life (EORTC QOL-C30) and the specific head and neck cancer scale (H&N35).
Results:
In our population, the patient's satisfaction for the global quality of life was 71%; the functioning scale was 83%, and the mean rate of generic symptoms was 13%. On the contrary, the specific Head & Neck symptom rate was high, with 76% of complains.
Conclusions:
The QOL scale could be considered as a good tool for patients to express their difficulties in daily life. It is a reliable and reproducible tool for a follow up study of patients. It allows proposing specific rehabilitation procedures in the post operative period.