Measuring voice outcomes following treatment for laryngeal cancer. (August 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Angel, Doug; Doyle, Philip C; Fung, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research. Volume 11:Number 4(2011)
• Page Start: 415
• Page End: 420
• Publication Date: 2011-08
• Subjects: laryngeal cancer -- quality of life -- voice measurement -- voice outcomes -- voice rehabilitation -- voice-related quality of life; Pharmacology -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.47615105
• DOI: 10.1586/erp.11.37
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7167

Abstract

Laryngeal cancer is the most commonly diagnosed head and neck malignancy. Treatment of laryngeal tumors is dependent upon disease stage at diagnosis, and may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of modalities. Regardless of tumor stage or treatment provided, quality of life (QOL) can be drastically affected. Voice-related outcomes are almost universally affected and can have a negative impact on overall QOL. Thus, treatment outcomes must extend beyond issues of oncological cure alone. Measures of voice and voice-related QOL following treatment for laryngeal cancer are important markers of treatment success. This article will broadly outline laryngeal cancer and its treatment, vocal rehabilitation, and provide insight into the various methods of assessing post-treatment voice and the influence of voice change on quality of life in these patients.