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Quality of life considerations for patients with anterior and central skull base malignancies

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Abstract

Introduction

The extirpation of skull base malignancies may be associated with significant morbidity and can profoundly impact health related quality of life (HRQOL). In this review, we sought to provide an overview of HRQOL and the factors that influence it for patients with skull base malignancies.

Materials and Methods

Narrative review.

Results

HRQOL tends to improve in the months to years following treatment and is profoundly impacted by both tumor location and treatment approach. Wherever possible, HRQOL should always be elicited from the patient directly. Several HRQOL instruments have been used in this population including generic, site-specific and disease specific measures.

Conclusion

Given that HRQOL is a multidimensional concept with several important facets, validated disease-specific instruments are generally preferred.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre– University Health Network, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, 3-955, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada

    Christopher W. Noel & John R. de Almeida

  2. Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Christopher W. Noel & John R. de Almeida

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  1. Christopher W. Noel
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  2. John R. de Almeida
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Correspondence to John R. de Almeida.

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Noel, C.W., de Almeida, J.R. Quality of life considerations for patients with anterior and central skull base malignancies. J Neurooncol 150, 501–508 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-019-03367-w

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