Linguistic Performance and Quality of Life in Patients with Low-Grade Gliomas

Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) may affect language functions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), particularly when located in brain areas essential for language. The present study investigates linguistic performance and HRQoL in patients with prefrontal cortex (PFC) and motor-sensory cortex LGGs. Data from 15 patients who underwent a standardized preoperative assessment, including linguistic and HRQoL measures, were analyzed and compared with healthy controls and published norms. Self-reported physical and communication functioning were relatively preserved in both tumor groups, whereas psychosocial well-being was notably reduced, particularly in the PFC group. Linguistic performance in both groups was generally lower than that of controls, with the PFC group showing selective vulnerabilities in semantic processing, most consistently in the time-limited semantic odd-image out task. Correlations within the PFC group indicated links between semantic processing, naming, and perceived communication functioning. These findings reveal subtle yet functionally and clinically meaningful difficulties that may not be evident in routine examinations, suggesting a need to assess both language and quality of life, including time-limited measures, in patients with LGGs.