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Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes following Oncological Facial Reconstructive Surgery using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer
J Nierich1, E M L Corten1, T de Jong1,2
1Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
JPRAS Open
|February 14, 2024
Summary
Long-term facial reconstruction after skin cancer surgery shows stable patient satisfaction but increased cancer worry and psychosocial distress. These findings aid in improving patient counseling and managing expectations for reconstructive surgery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following oncological facial reconstructive surgery remain largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding these long-term effects is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate long-term PROs after facial reconstruction for non-melanoma skin cancer.
- To explore correlations between patient/treatment factors and long-term PROs.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 202 patients undergoing facial reconstruction (2006-2011) was assessed.
- After a 10-year follow-up, 96 patients completed the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module.
Main Results:
- Squamous cell carcinoma patients reported lower satisfaction with facial appearance, scar appraisal, and higher psychosocial distress compared to basal cell carcinoma and lentigo maligna patients.
- Female patients reported significantly higher cancer worry than male patients.
Conclusions:
- Long-term patient satisfaction with facial appearance and scars is comparable to short-term outcomes.
- Cancer worry and psychosocial distress may increase long-term, necessitating improved patient counseling and expectation management.
