On-Site PhD conferral Inge J. Veldhuizen
Supervisor: Prof. dr. R.R.W.J. van der Hulst
Co-supervisors: Dr. M.M. Hoogbergen, Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven, Dr. E.H. Lee, Weill Cornell, Medical College, New York, USA
Key words: facial scars, changing quality of life
"Facial Scars: Changing Quality of Life"
Skin cancer (non-melanoma) is the most common form of cancer in the Netherlands and is mainly found in the head and neck area. Surgery is the best treatment, sometimes leaving a large wound. The wound can be closed in many different ways, simply by suturing, with a skin graft, or by using skin from nearby areas. A scar cannot be avoided. The impact of the scar on the patient can be great. Every patient is different. Some prefer a smaller procedure with possibly a less aesthetic result, others prefer a larger procedure with possibly a better recovery. In this study, a questionnaire was administered to patients before and after the operation. The results can be used to make an informed decision by both the patient and the doctor about closing the facial wound. This improves the patient's quality of life.
