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Quality of life assessment in patients treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2013

A Y Wang ,
C E Palme ,
J T Wang ,
G J Morgan ,
V Gebski ,
J Gilchrist  and
M J Veness
A Y Wang
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
C E Palme
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
J T Wang
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
G J Morgan
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
V Gebski
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
J Gilchrist
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
M J Veness*
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: A/Prof Michael J Veness, Radiation Oncologist, Staff Specialist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia 2145 Fax: +61 2 9891 5814 E-mail: michael.veness@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au
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Abstract

Background:

Treatment for metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is usually multimodal and associated with morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of treatment on patients' quality of life.

Method:

Cross-sectional survey of 42 patients (35 men, 7 women) at least 6 months after metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment, using two standardised quality of life questionnaires: the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Head and Neck questionnaire and the Facial Disability Index, with statistical analysis to identify potential predictors of outcome.

Results:

Female gender correlated with significantly lower Facial Disability Index physical function scores (p = 0.017). Alcohol consumption correlated with significantly better scores for Functional Assessment social well-being (p = 0.016), general total score (p = 0.041) and overall total score (p = 0.033), and for Facial Disability Index physical function (p = 0.034). Marital status, education, employment, chemotherapy, time from last treatment, parotidectomy and facial nerve sacrifice did not affect quality of life. The commonest patient complaints were dry mouth (76 per cent), altered voice quality and strength (55 per cent), and physical appearance (45 per cent).

Conclusion:

Female gender predicts worse quality of life, while alcohol consumption (versus none) predicted for better quality of life.

Keywords

Head And NeckCutaneous Squamous Cell CarcinomaMetastasesQuality of LifeOutcomes Assessment, PatientTherapy; Facial Disability Index
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 127 , Supplement S2 , July 2013 , pp. S39 - S47
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2013 

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Footnotes

Presented at the Australasian and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society Annual Scientific Meeting and IFHNOS 2012 World Tour, 26 November 2012, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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