Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes following Oncological Facial Reconstructive Surgery using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module

Background: 

Long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of oncological facial reconstructive surgery are unknown. 

Objective:

The present study aimed to assess long-term PROs and to identify possible correlations between patient and treatment characteristics and long-term PROs. 

Methods & Materials: 

Between 2006 and 2011, 202 patients underwent facial reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery for non-melanoma skin cancer at our institution. After 10 years of follow-up, 96 out of the remaining 122 patients completed the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module. 

Results: 

Patients who were surgically treated for squamous cell carcinoma reported poorer scores on the satisfaction with facial appearance (p=0.038), appraisal of scars (p=0.039) and appearance-related psychosocial distress scales (p=0.036) compared to patients with basal cell carcinoma and lentigo maligna. Finally, female patients reported significantly higher scores on the Cancer Worry Scale than male patients (p=0.047). 

Conclusion: 

Long-term patient satisfaction with respect to their facial appearance and scars after reconstructive surgery for skin cancer was comparable to short-term patient satisfaction, whereas Cancer Worry Scale and psychosocial distress appeared to be slightly higher. Our results can be used to better inform patients on the long-term effects of facial reconstructive surgery on patient satisfaction and quality of life, which are important to improve patient counselling, patient expectation management and shared decision-making.