Improved surgical techniques and adjunctive therapeutic measures are producing more longterm survivors of head and neck cancers. But every person who develops a malignant disease will be greatly affected in many respects, including physical and
mental
health, social activities and other factors.
This is particularly true for tumors in the regions of the head and neck. In these patients the normal way of life is threatened not only by the fear of death from cancer but also by the risk of deformities caused by the tumor or its treatment
and
the
effects of the disease on the voice, speech, swallowing and vision. The treatment, which may consist of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these methods, may also have serious side effects and complications. In order to
provide
suggestion for developing and improving QOL, we have used interviews and questionnaire to study 53 laryngectomees. The scale for this instrument consisted of 19 items, covering 4 factors : " physical state and function", "family relationships",
"social
function" "Mental function". We also conclude that the measurement of QOL in laryngectomees of vital importance in determining optimal treatment and further studies in this area are indicated. (Korean J Otolaryngo1 39 : 5, 1996)
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