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Swallowing problems in post irradiated NPC patients
P Mok1, R S Seshadri, J K Siow
1Department of Otolaryngology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. paul_mok@notes.ttsh.gov.sg
Singapore Medical Journal
|October 16, 2001
Summary
Swallowing difficulties, including cranial nerve X and XII palsies, can occur in advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) patients post-radiotherapy. Treatment options for these severe swallowing issues are varied and may include surgery or gastrostomy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy with potential post-treatment complications.
- Radiotherapy is a primary treatment for advanced NPC, often leading to side effects.
Observation:
- Three patients with advanced NPC developed significant swallowing problems after radiotherapy.
- These issues manifested as oral and pharyngeal dysphagia, linked to cranial nerve X and XII palsies.
Findings:
- No evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis was found in the patients.
- Surgical interventions like cricopharyngeal myotomy, medialisation thyroplasty, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) were employed with varying outcomes.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the potential for severe swallowing dysfunction post-NPC radiotherapy.
- It underscores the need for effective management strategies for dysphagia in these patients.