Mastication in health‐related quality of life in patients treated for oral cancer: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction Treatment for oral cancer can impair oral functions such as mastication, which may negatively affect quality of life (QoL). In this review, an overview is provided of masticatory ability in patients treated for oral cancer. Methods The PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for scientific literature on masticatory ability in relation to QoL in patients treated for oral cancer. Studies were included when oral cancer treatment was provided, and the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW‐QoL) questionnaire was used. Risk of bias (MINORS) was independently assessed by two authors. Results The PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase and Cochrane search yielded 575 unique records of which 111 were assessed full text, and 27 studies were included. The UW‐QoL mastication scores ranged from 31.9 to 97.4. There was a wide variety in methodology, patient groups, tumour site, treatment and assessment moment, to such a degree that outcome scores are difficult to compare. Conclusion The wide variety in studies exploring health‐related QoL in relation to mastication in oral cancer patients prevents the identification of possible relations between treatment, masticatory ability and QoL. Our findings underline the limitations in currently available literature and indicate the necessity for more comparable research.

Functional outcomes and quality of life in patients who undergone conventional or endoscopic/robotic retroauricular neck dissection: a case-control study

“…In our study, patients who underwent retroauricular approach showed higher postoperative scores of QOL in the Chewing and Shoulder domains, as well as in the Physical Function composite score. As treatment sequelae can cause temporary or permanent impairments of oral cavity functions and anatomy such as mastication, swallowing, dentition, muscles and nerves ( 25 ). Difficulties in chewing and swallowing compromise oral intake, leading to significant weight loss and malnutrition and, consequently, to longer hospital stays and greater morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs ( 26 ).…”

Systemic Health Factors Related to Rapid Oral Health Deterioration Among Older People

“…The connection between oral health and these diseases is largely attributed to inflammation, although there are two other pathways that may explain the association [19][20][21]. Firstly, some systemic diseases have direct links to negative impacts on oral health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), such as Crohn's disease, Beçhet's disease, oral cancer, Sjögren's syndrome, and scleroderma [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Secondly, some chronic diseases may indirectly affect oral health because they can lead to reduced motivation regarding oral hygiene and care.…”

Profiling oral health status, values, and related quality of life in patients with oral cancer: a pilot study

“…Consequently, the masticatory function, ability to speak, aesthetic aspects, and oral somatosensory perception (taste and smell) are compromised, leading to a decrease in the quality of life ( 4 , 5 ). In addition, oral complications such as xerostomia, mucositis, trismus, and increased risk of infectious diseases are common during the curative treatment ( 6 ).…”