Communication related quality of life in oral cancer patients after surgery

Abstract

Oral cancer patients undergone surgery, experience communication difficulties due to poor functioning of articulators. A study of communication related quality of life (CRQOL) of oral cancer patients was not found in Sri Lanka. Hence this study was planned to assess the variation of their communication following surgery and identifying the affected areas. This is helpful in identifying the potential targets for individuals and setting aims to improve their CRQOL. A cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken to assess CRQOL in oral cancer patients after surgery. The questionnaire was modified, adopted and pilot tested. 100 patients (35- 84 years age range) who had undergone surgery for oral cancer completed the questionnaire. The effect on CRQOL on patients undergone surgery was not statistically significant. Only 7% of people had impact on their CRQOL after surgery for oral cancer when their overall score is considered. In a higher portion of patients with oral cancer, the emotional status regarding communication was affected than the physical and functional status. Functional communication scored better when compared to the physical status. The total score and physical status regarding communication score strongly correlate with the site of the tumor. The site of the tumor also correlates with the emotional and functional status. Patients who have undergone surgery for oral cancer have an impact on their communication related quality of life. Emotional status and physical status regarding communication were the most affected. People who have posterior tumors have worse impact on their CRQOL than people who have anterior tumors.