SWALLOWING FUNCTION FOLLOWING MULTISPECIALTY ORGAN PRESERVATION TREATMENT OF ADVANCED HEAD AND NECK-CANCER
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- Published online on: May 1, 1994 https://doi.org/10.3892/or.1.3.597
- Pages: 597-601
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Abstract
Swallowing function was studied in twenty-two patients before, during and after multispecialty (surgical, medical, radiation oncology) organ preservation treatment of advanced pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinoma. Video-fluorographic oropharyngeal motility (OPM) studies were performed at three stages during treatment. Swallowing function was rated according to the Swallowing Performance Status Scale (SPSS). Swallowing function significantly declined after surgery compared to presurgical status but improved significantly after post-surgical concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Swallowing function without need for enteral feeding support was maintained after completion of treatment in 18 of 22 patients (82%). The findings support the need for systematic evaluation of swallowing function throughout the treatment process for patients at risk for pharyngeal dysphagia.