Pathophysiology of Radiation-Induced Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer.
Oncologic treatments, such as curative radiotherapy and chemoradiation, for head and neck cancer can cause long-term swallowing impairments (dysphagia) that negatively impact quality of life. Radiation-induced dysphagia comprised a broad spectrum of structural, mechanical, and neurologic deficits. An understanding of the biomolecular effects of radiation on the time course of wound healing and underlying morphological tissue responses that precede radiation damage will improve options available for dysphagia treatment. The goal of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of radiation-induced injury and elucidate areas that need further exploration.
Department of Neurological Surgery, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, 511 South Floyd St MDR 616, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
Suzanne N
SN
King
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
Neal E
NE
Dunlap
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Communicative Disorders, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
Paul A
PA
Tennant
Department of Neurological Surgery, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, 511 South Floyd St MDR 616, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA. t.pitts@louisville.edu.
Teresa
T
Pitts
D059248:Chemoradiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*
Cancer; Deglutition; Deglutition disorders; Fibrosis; Pharynx; Radiation; Swallow