Summary of the Necessity of the Thesis

Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the world, with 660,000 new cases and 325,000 deaths annually. It affects anatomical areas such as the skin, oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, sinuses, throat, larynx, and salivary glands, with over 90% being squamous cell carcinomas. One of the crucial components is the level of patient satisfaction and their personal perception of the procedures and their impact on quality of life. This quality of life is defined from the patient's perspective in terms of physical, social, and psychological aspects, particularly in oral cancer patients, affecting appearance, speech, breathing, swallowing, chewing, taste, and saliva production. Given the anatomical location, any changes in the head and neck region directly impact the patient's self-esteem, dignity, and life satisfaction. It is hoped that the results of this research will contribute to improving patients' quality of life, optimizing the use of invasive procedures, reducing the burden on the healthcare system, and enhancing the overall physical and mental health of the Iranian community.

Principal Investigator: Sara Mehri
Year of Initiation: 2024