Effects of Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy on Cricothyroid Membrane Related Dimensions

Area of Science:

• Radiotherapy effects on soft tissue anatomy
• Head and neck cancer treatment complications
• Medical imaging and anatomical measurements

Background:

• Radiation therapy can alter soft tissue dynamics based on irradiation extent and location.
• Head and neck radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment that may affect anatomical structures.
• The cricothyroid membrane (CTM) is a critical anatomical landmark in the neck.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in cricothyroid membrane height (CTMH) and skin-to-CTM distance (STCD).
• To assess the impact of head and neck radiotherapy on these specific anatomical dimensions.
• To understand potential clinical implications of these radiotherapy-induced alterations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pre- and post-radiation computed tomography (CT) scans from 231 patients.
• Measurement of CTMH and STCD from CT scans.
• Statistical comparison of pre- and post-radiation measurements using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Main Results:

• Median CTMH decreased from 8.7 mm to 7.5 mm post-radiotherapy.
• Median STCD decreased from 11.7 mm to 10.2 mm post-radiotherapy.
• Significant reductions in both CTMH and STCD were observed following head and neck radiotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Head and neck radiotherapy leads to significant reductions in cricothyroid membrane dimensions.
• These anatomical changes may complicate the accurate localization of the cricothyroid membrane.
• Further research may be needed to explore the clinical management implications of these findings.