Life quality in tumour patients has received growing scientific and public attention. While most studies focus on patients with tumours in the thorax or abdomen, less is known about determinants of life quality in patients with tumours in the head-neck region. In this report, we focus on the role of tumour localisation, clinical staging, functional impairments, and vegetative symptoms on the rating of life quality. In a structured interview, 222 tumour patients regularly followed-up by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology were asked about aspects of their illness, especially with regard to life quality. The results show that clinical stage of tumour had an U-shaped effect on life quality. Patients on stage 1 or on stage 3 had higher life quality ratings than patients on stage 2, which may indicate divergent coping styles of the patients. Patients with impairments of swallowing, tasting, whispering or breathing rated significant lower on life quality. Moreover, patients suffering from pain, with sleeping problems, with impairments of their bodily appearance or of their sex life rated significantly lower on life quality. Tumour localisation had no effect on ratings of life quality. In conclusion, it can be stated that life quality of tumour patients in otorhinolaryngology is influenced by clinical stage of the tumour, functional impairments and vegetative symptoms.
