TY - JOUR
T1 - Profiling of swallowing function in head and neck cancer patients prior to radiation therapy-Findings from a tertiary hospital in South India
AU - Jaison Varghese, Janet
AU - Aithal, Venkataraja U.
AU - Sharan, Krishna
AU - Maiya, Arun G.
AU - Rajashekhar, Bellur
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors
PY - 2024/5
Y1 - 2024/5
N2 - Purpose: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients often face difficulties with swallowing, which can be due to the cancer itself or the treatment modalities like radiation therapy. The presentation of HNC can vary between developing and developed countries due to socioeconomic factors. The current study aimed to profile the swallowing function of HNC patients before starting radiation therapy in a tertiary hospital in India. Method: This cross-sectional observational study examined patients with HNC who were scheduled for radiation therapy. The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale were used to assess the patients’ swallowing status and functional abilities, respectively. The study also evaluated the relationship between swallowing function and clinical-demographic factors. Results: Our assessment of 162 HNC patients found that the cancer site significantly affects swallowing. Although 92% of patients had an oral diet, 64% made dietary modifications. Patients with non-oral intake had either oral or pharyngeal cancer, and over 80% of oral cancer patients and 60% of those with pharyngeal cancer had already made changes to their diet. Patients with laryngeal cancer had a better oral intake, with 58% reporting no swallowing issues. Conclusion: Patients with HNC scheduled for radiation therapy may experience varying degrees of swallowing difficulty. Early intervention and teaching of safe swallowing strategies are crucial to prepare for the potential worsening of swallowing difficulties resulting from the treatment. Advanced tumor stages and oral/pharyngeal cancers increase the risk of significant swallowing issues.
AB - Purpose: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients often face difficulties with swallowing, which can be due to the cancer itself or the treatment modalities like radiation therapy. The presentation of HNC can vary between developing and developed countries due to socioeconomic factors. The current study aimed to profile the swallowing function of HNC patients before starting radiation therapy in a tertiary hospital in India. Method: This cross-sectional observational study examined patients with HNC who were scheduled for radiation therapy. The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale were used to assess the patients’ swallowing status and functional abilities, respectively. The study also evaluated the relationship between swallowing function and clinical-demographic factors. Results: Our assessment of 162 HNC patients found that the cancer site significantly affects swallowing. Although 92% of patients had an oral diet, 64% made dietary modifications. Patients with non-oral intake had either oral or pharyngeal cancer, and over 80% of oral cancer patients and 60% of those with pharyngeal cancer had already made changes to their diet. Patients with laryngeal cancer had a better oral intake, with 58% reporting no swallowing issues. Conclusion: Patients with HNC scheduled for radiation therapy may experience varying degrees of swallowing difficulty. Early intervention and teaching of safe swallowing strategies are crucial to prepare for the potential worsening of swallowing difficulties resulting from the treatment. Advanced tumor stages and oral/pharyngeal cancers increase the risk of significant swallowing issues.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102713
DO - 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102713
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85189790993
SN - 2211-3355
VL - 41
JO - Preventive Medicine Reports
JF - Preventive Medicine Reports
M1 - 102713
ER -