Evaluating the Quality of Life in Advanced Laryngeal and Oral Cancer Undergoing Extensive Surgeries

Advanced laryngeal and oral cancers significantly affect the patients' quality of life (QoL) due to the functional and psychosocial implications of the disease and its treatment. Surgical interventions, particularly extensive resections and reconstructions, are critical for disease control but may further impact QoL. This study aims to evaluate the QoL in patients undergoing extensive surgeries for advanced laryngeal and oral cancers.

A prospective cohort study was conducted, including 100 patients with advanced laryngeal and oral cancers undergoing extensive surgeries at a tertiary care hospital. QoL was assessed preoperatively and at three and six months postoperatively using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H and N35 questionnaires. Variables, such as functional scales, symptom scales, and global health status, were analyzed. Arbitrary values for QoL scores ranged from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA to evaluate changes over time.

The mean global health status score improved from 45 (±10) preoperatively to 60 (±12) at six months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Functional scales, such as swallowing and speech, showed significant improvements (swallowing: 40 ± 8 to 65 ± 10; speech: 50 ± 10 to 70 ± 9). Symptom scales for pain and fatigue demonstrated a significant reduction over the study period (pain: 70 ± 12 to 40 ± 8; fatigue: 65 ± 11 to 50 ± 9). However, social and emotional functioning scores remained suboptimal due to the stigma and psychological burden associated with cancer.

Extensive surgeries for advanced laryngeal and oral cancers positively impact QoL by improving functional abilities and reducing symptoms. However, persistent challenges in social and emotional well-being highlight the need for comprehensive rehabilitative and supportive care post-surgery.