Pharyngeal dysfunction after treatment for pharyngeal cancer with surgery and radiotherapy

Radiologic examinations of the pharynx were performed in 13 patients presenting with dysphagia following treatment of pharyngeal cancer with excision and radiotherapy. The conventional single-film technique or double-contrast examination was unremarkable, although 2 patients had clinical evidence for local recurrence. The patients were also examined with cineradiography using a film speed of 50 and 100 frames/sec. Various functional abnormalities (pharyngeal paresis, epiglottic dysfunction, dysfunction of the laryngeal vestibule, cricopharyngeal incoordination, and cervical esophageal webs) were found in all but 1 patient. The results indicate that functional abnormalities of the pharynx secondary to radiotherapy and surgery are common in patients who have dysphagia after treatment. These functional pharyngeal disorders are accurately diagnosed with cineradiography.