Radiotherapy Research Paper

SWALLOWING DISORDERS AFTER HEAD-AND-NECK CANCERS RADIOTHERAPY Summary Introduction: This study aimed to assess the swallowing function of head and neck cancer patients before and after radiotherapy. Materials and methods: A repeated descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 33 head and neck cancers patients treated at Aristide LeDantec Hospital Radiation Therapy Department. The dysphagia was assessed through a self-questionnaire (DHI) and a functional swallowing test (COLP - G -FR). Each patient was seen twice: before treatment (T0) and three months after radiotherapy (T). Results: Patients maximum ages were 18 and 69 years old. Persons aged over 60 (39.4%) were predominant. Men made up the/have accounted for the majority

Dysphagia can occur during oropharyngeal or esophageal phase of swallowing. Various swallowing process alterations that may interfere with physiological functions cause dysphagia. Dysphagia is a frequent, multifactor and debilitating aftereffect in head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing a definitive radiotherapy (RT). Acute aftereffects related to RT, such as the edema, the mucositis, the pain and diminution in salivary secretion distort the short-term swallowing mechanism [1-3]. Radiation-induced fibrosis of tissue and chronic oxidative stress continue this impaired swallowing long after RT [4, 5]. Depending on the type of tumor treatment (radiotherapy alone or combined with chemotherapy), irradiated tissue volume, radiation dose, splitting, and overall duration of treatment, late swallowing disorders incidence may vary up to 50% of irradiated patients [6-8]. Tumor site, stage, age of patient, pre-treatment weight loss, pre-treatment swallowing disorders and smoking are other contributing factors of RT-induced swallowing disorders’ rates [9-11]. The swallowing can be objectively assessed using videofluoroscopy of modified barium [12] and fibroscopic endoscopic assessment or even functional tests [13]. Silbergleit et al. [14] developed the DHI (Dysphagia Handicap Index), which measures the disabling effect of dysphagia on the emotional and functional aspects of the

The perceptual qualitative rating scale of voice disturbances inspired the COLP-G-A. The administration speed and the possibility of assessing on many different textures make it possible to quickly detect the affected swallowing phase. According to patients’ abilities at time t, the following textures were suggested during the COLP - G - FR test: mineral water, sparkling water, thickened liquids (actimel), applesauce and small portions of cakes