The otological status of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after megavoltage radiotherapy.
A middle ear effusion is a common complication of nasopharyngeal carcinoma both before and after radiotherapy. An effusion was found in 38 per cent of patients before radiotherapy and 9 per cent developed an effusion after the start of radiotherapy. Surgical treatment by myringotomy with or without grommet insertion was associated with a high incidence of otorrhoea (26 per cent) which was often refractory to treatment. In view of the frequency of this complication and the fact that a middle ear effusion may not be of concern to an adult patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a 'wait and see' policy may be appropriate in the management of a middle ear effusion in these patients.
Tang
N L
NL
Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T.
Choy
A T
AT
John
D G
DG
van Hasselt
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002558:Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors