Radiation-induced swallowing dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer: A literature review

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Radiation-induced swallowing dysfunction in patients with head and neck cancer: A literature review Via swallowing exercises J Formos Med Assoc. 2021 Jul 7:S0929-6646(21)00300-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.06.020. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT Swallowing dysfunction is a prevailing state following radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Following the advancement of cancer treatment in recent years, the survival rate of head and neck cancer has gradually increased. Simultaneously, patients with head and neck cancer suffer due to the long-duration and more prominent swallowing dysfunction states . Based on an extensive literature review, we aimed to explore the mechanisms, risk factors, and clinical evaluations of swallowing dysfunction and their related symptoms following radiotherapy. These include functional changes of the muscles, trismus, xerostomia, neuropathy, and lymphedema. When swallowing dysfunction occurs, patients usually seek medical help and are referred for rehabilitation therapy, such as muscle strengthening and tongue resistance exercise. Furthermore, clinicians should discuss with patients how and when to place the feeding tube. Only through detailed evaluation and management can swallowing dysfunction resolve and improve the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer following radiotherapy. PMID:34246510 | DOI:10.1016/j.jfma.2021.06.020 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.