Dysphagia in head and neck cancer.
Dysphagia is an important symptom of head and neck cancer (HNC), as well as representing a significant complication of its treatment. The treatment of HNC can result in neuromuscular and sensory damage affecting any stage of the swallow. The protective mechanisms during swallowing afforded by the structures in the pharynx are also affected in HNC. This article reviews the effect of the various treatment modalities in HNC on the swallowing mechanism. Various interventions which may play in role in relieving this dysphagia are also discussed. Due stress has been laid on the need for a multi-disciplinary approach for an optimal outcome in rehabilitating a patient's swallow after treatment for HNC.
Manikantan
Kapila
K
Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai 400008, India. kapila.manikantan@gmail.com
Khode
Shailesh
S
Sayed
Suhail I
SI
Roe
Justin
J
Nutting
Chris M
CM
Rhys-Evans
Peter
P
Harrington
Kevin J
KJ
Kazi
Rehan
R
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D003679:Deglutition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000379:methods; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D014139:Tracheostomy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents