The patients' account of outcome following primary surgery for oral and oropharyngeal cancer using a 'quality of life' questionnaire

The purpose of this study was to collate all the University of Washington quality of life (UW-QOL) data collected in the Unit since 1995 and to summarize it in a patient-friendly format that can be used when discussing treatment outcomes. The sample of cancer patients consisted of 561 consecutive patients undergoing primary surgery for previously untreated oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma presenting to the Regional Maxillofacial Unit Liverpool, between the years 1995 and 2004. Follow-up was on May 2006. Information sheets were constructed based on the UW-QOL, summarizing the patients at around 2 years (median 28 months). The response to each statement in all 12 domains, domains as important, and the general health-related QOL/QOL questions are given. Data has been summarized for six common groups based on the clinical presentation and treatment. The data show big differences by tumour size, free-flap surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Information presented in this format is potentially extremely useful when counselling patients and their families regarding the likely outcomes of treatment.