Quality of life challenges for larynx cancer patients

Abstract

Laryngeal cancer continues to raise challenges for specialists all over the world even if there has been improvement in its diagnosis, therapeutic options and comprehensive view of the malignant tumor process. The decision of the oncological committee is not subject to the preferences of the patient, since in terms of therapy, this is the role of the specialist treating the patient. It is very important that the patient should know the implications of total surgery and that the patient has a poorer quality of life after total laryngectomy. The quality of life of these patients has been assessed by means of European quality of life questionnaires in terms of physical status and symptoms, social integration and psychoemotional status. The absence of voice, the impairment in swallowing, the esthetic impairment, the family and social reintegration need to be addressed by the oncological team so that the quality of life of these patients be at optimal levels. The specific questionnaires for the quality of life evaluation need to be used for any patient with laryngeal cancer and key points need to be addressed individually to meet each patient's expectations.

Keywords

• psycho-emotional status
• oncology therapy
• larynx cancer