Assessment of the quality of life and performance status in patients with oral submucous fibrosis in central India

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Measuring quality of life in patients with oral submucous fibrosis is of utmost importance in assessing treatment outcomes. This study examined the impact of oral submucous fibrosis and its treatment on the quality of life and performance status of persons with oral submucous fibrosis. METHODS: Quality of life was measured in patients with oral submucous fibrosis using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life head and neck 35 Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C35); performance status was measured by Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HN), at four points in time: baseline, one month, two months and three months after start of treatment. RESULTS: At the end of third month Group A and Group B showed 78% and 85% increase in mouth opening respectively. While the burning sensation of oral mucosa was decreased by 72% and 88% in group A and group B respectively (Z>1.96, P<0.05), there were significant differences in patients’ quality of life and functioning at three points in time (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life head and neck 35 Questionnaire and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients can be used successfully in potentially malignant disorders like oral submucous fibrosis. The results in this study will surely be a good guide forother studies on oral submucous fibrosis.