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Skull Base 2010; 20(1): 005-010
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1242978
REVIEW ARTICLE

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Instruments for Estimation of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Skull Base Neoplasms

Mariana E. Witgert1 , Tracy Veramonti1 , Ehab Hanna2
  • 1Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • 2Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
22 January 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

With advances in treatment of patients with tumors of the skull base and associated improvement in length of survival, the need for assessment of quality of life (QOL) is becoming increasingly apparent. A thorough assessment of QOL, including functional, physical, social, and emotional status, as well as disease-specific symptoms, allows for comparison of treatments and informs treatment decisions. In addition, it allows for problems following intervention to be identified and addressed, thereby assisting patients in their pursuits of returning to their normal activities and level of functioning. Although health care providers and researchers are increasingly aware of the need to assess patients' QOL, few standardized measures exist with which to perform a comprehensive assessment of QOL in patients with skull base neoplasms. Further research is needed, including prospective trials using reliable and valid measures tapping various aspects of QOL and specific symptoms unique to patients with tumors of the skull base.

KEYWORDS

Skull base tumor - quality of life

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Ehab HannaM.D. F.A.C.S. 

Professor and Vice Chairman, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 441, Houston, TX 77030-4009

Email: eyhanna@mdanderson.org