Otologic complications of radiation therapy

Radiation therapy has proved to be a valuable modality in the management of patients with nasopharyngeal tumors. Routine follow-up of patients in the tumor clinic of the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary appeared to indicate an increasing incidence of otologic pathology. For this reason, a retrospective study focusing on the otologic findings in patients whose radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal tumors included the external auditory canal, middle ear space, or eustachian tube was performed. The results of this study are discussed in relationship to total radiation dosage, time of survival after therapy, and pretreatment otologic status. The complications covered a spectrum from intermittent serous otitis media to osteoradionecrosis of the external auditory canal. Possible contributing factors are discussed, and preventive neasures are suggested.