Dysphagia after fast neutron therapy to the head and neck.
Nine patients presenting with dysphagia following successful treatment for head and neck cancer with neutron radiotherapy are reviewed. Combined clinical and videofluoroscopic investigation is used to analyse their deficits and provide indications for management. All patients show impairment of both the oral and pharyngeal phases of the swallow, with the exception of one subject who shows signs of focal neurological damage. It is suggested that fibrosis is the underlying cause of dysphagia in the remainder.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London.
M S
MS
Alexander
G M
GM
Edelman
K
K
Man
C J
CJ
Randall
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005214:Fast Neutrons / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009502:Neutrons / Q000009:adverse effects; D014067:Tonsillar Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*