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Larynx motion associated with swallowing during radiation therapy
1Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|January 15, 1994
Summary
Swallowing during radiation therapy causes minor laryngeal movement, reducing radiation dose to the larynx by approximately 0.5%. This minimal dose reduction is considered insignificant for treatment accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Radiation oncology
- Medical physics
- Anatomy and physiology
Background:
- Laryngeal movement during swallowing can impact radiation therapy accuracy.
- Head immobilization does not fully prevent laryngeal motion during treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To predict the reduction in radiation dose to the larynx caused by swallowing during radiation therapy.
- To quantify the effect of laryngeal motion on radiation dose delivery.
Main Methods:
- Collected data on laryngeal motion extent and timing during swallowing.
- Assessed the frequency of swallowing in a supine position.
- Calculated the likelihood of swallowing during irradiation intervals of varying durations.
Main Results:
- In adults, the larynx elevates ~2 cm and moves anteriorly <1 cm during a swallow.
- Swallowing frequency in the supine position is ~1 per 1-2 minutes.
- Calculated dose reduction to the larynx due to swallowing is approximately 0.5%.
Conclusions:
- Swallowing during radiation therapy results in a clinically insignificant decrease in total radiation dose to the larynx (0.5%).
- The impact of swallowing on dose delivery is negligible, especially with small radiation fields.