gms | German Medical Science

Malignant tumors of the head and neck is the sixth the most common group of neoplasms in the world. Therapeutic procedures include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and combination of these methods. The treatment of malignant tumors can have a devastating effect on the overall health of the patient's quality of life. The most important point in assessing the quality of life for patients with cancer: functional status, physical discomforts, mental stability, social communication, financial status.

Objective: Determine which tumor localization and extent leads to a reduction in quality of life. What are the main consequences of the treatment of malignant tumors of the head and neck which may lead to lower quality of life.

Materials and methods: We surveyed patients with malignant tumors of head and neck who were treated at the ENT department Clinical Center Sarajevo from 2007 to 2012. In all subjects the following parameters were included: ENT findings, local findings, type of therapy. We were particularly focused on the questionnaire – EORTC QLQ-H & N 35 and EORTC QLQ-C30, which has met each respondent. In patients with tumors of the head and neck quality of life relates to: nutrition, swallowing, speaking, listening, external appearance, social contact, physical functioning.

Conclusion: The data reveal that regardless of the success of treatment, patients continue to have difficulties in daily activities, participation in society, regardless of the form of treatment. Perhaps the results of our study will contribute to the complexity of this problem and improve the quality of life of our patients in the future.

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