RESUMO
A group of 41 patients were questioned about functional problems and concern for appearance, experienced following major surgery for intraoral malignancy. Twenty-five per cent of the group reported significant difficulties. Spouses reported a higher incidence of problems. The effects of primary tumour site and type of reconstruction on functional outcome are discussed.
Assuntos
Adenocarcinoma/cirurgia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Bucais/cirurgia , Adenocarcinoma/fisiopatologia , Adenocarcinoma/psicologia , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Imagem Corporal , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/fisiopatologia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/psicologia , Ingestão de Líquidos , Ingestão de Alimentos , Família , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias Bucais/fisiopatologia , Neoplasias Bucais/psicologia , Fatores Sexuais , Fala , Retalhos CirúrgicosRESUMO
A cohort of patients who had received major intra-oral surgery, up to 10 yr (mean 3.5 yr) prior to this study were reviewed and assessed for evidence of current psychological disturbance. Forty-one per cent of patients were found to have significant levels of psychological distress comprising mood disorder, social dysfunction or both types of difficulty. Prevalence of clinical anxiety and depression per se was within the range 22-32%, but few patients were receiving any form of active therapy for these problems. Investigation of predictors revealed that females and younger people were more at risk to psychological distress. Tentative evidence for variability in psychological outcome in relation to tumour site is also reported. Results are discussed with reference to service provision needs and further research priorities.
