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Vocal changes in patients undergoing radiation therapy for glottic carcinoma
S Miller1, L B Harrison, B Solomon
1Speech and Hearing Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York.
The Laryngoscope
|June 1, 1990
Summary
This study tracked vocal changes in glottic carcinoma patients during radiation therapy. Three distinct vocal patterns emerged, showing varied responses to treatment and recovery from radiation-induced edema.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiation Oncology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Glottic carcinoma treatment often involves radiation therapy.
- Vocal function can be significantly impacted by radiotherapy.
- Understanding vocal changes is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate vocal changes in patients with T1 and T2 glottic carcinoma undergoing radiation therapy.
- To identify distinct patterns of vocal behavior during and after treatment.
- To analyze the voicing ratio as a measure of vocal change.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of vocal changes in glottic carcinoma patients.
- Vocal analysis using Visipitch interfaced with IBM-PC.
- Measurement of voicing ratio from sustained vowel phonation before and during radiotherapy.
Main Results:
- Three distinct vocal behavior patterns were observed.
- Pattern 1: Reduced voicing ratio with rapid improvement during treatment.
- Pattern 2: Initial high voicing ratio decreasing due to edema, then improving.
- Pattern 3: Fluctuating voicing ratio during and post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Vocal responses to radiation therapy for glottic carcinoma are variable.
- Radiation-induced edema can temporarily affect vocal quality.
- Further enrollment and 2-year follow-up are planned to refine observations.