Work

Prevalence of Trismus and its Effects on Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Trismus, a common complication of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment, can significantly affect patients' quality of life (QoL). Understanding its prevalence and impact is crucial for improving patient care. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of trismus and its effects on QoL in patients undergoing treatment for OSCC. Materials and Methods: This prospective research involved 150 OSCC patients undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, or combined therapy. Trismus was defined as maximum interincisal opening (MIO) ≤35 mm, measured at baseline, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. QoL was estimated using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H and N35 questionnaires. Results: Trismus prevalence was 28% at baseline, increasing to 55% at 3 months and 47% at 6 months. Patients with trismus had significantly lower QoL scores in domains such as pain, emotional well-being, and social interactions. Conclusion: Trismus is highly prevalent in OSCC patients and profoundly impacts QoL, highlighting the need for early interventions and targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Source: Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences

DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_558_25

Authors: Anita Mohanty, Monalisa Dash, Mudita Chaturvedi, Heena Dixit, Dheeraj Voulligonda, Suveet Mathur