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Late radiation-associated dysphagia with lower cranial neuropathy in long-term oropharyngeal cancer survivors: Video case reports HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK Hutcheson, K. A., Yuk, M. M., Holsinger, F. C., Gunn, G. B., Lewin, J. S. 2015; 37 (4): E56-E62

Abstract

Background: Lower cranial neuropathies are a late effect of radiotherapy, typically reported in nasopharynx cancer survivors. Limited data examine these neuropathies after oropharyngeal cancer, particularly as it relates to late radiation-associated dysphagia (late-RAD). Methods: Two cases were examined over 4 to 6 years. Late-RAD was assessed per MBSImp™©, PAS, PSSHN, and MDADI. Neuropathies were examined via clinical examination and laryngeal videostroboscopy, and compared with trajectories of late-RAD. Results: Media-enriched case reports describe the course of late-RAD and neuropathies in two cases after definitive radiotherapy ± EGFR-inhibitor for oropharynx cancer. Late-RAD was characterized by severe physiologic impairments per MBSImp™© and decreased swallowing-related QOL per MDADI. Trajectories of late-RAD paralleled the progression or stability of neuropathies. Conclusions: Late-RAD with lower cranial neuropathies resulted in profound and persistent functional impairment. Rarely reported, late radiation-associated lower cranial neuropathies may be a major contributor to new-onset or progressive dysphagia in long-term oropharyngeal cancer survivors. Head Neck, 2014.

View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.23840

View details for Web of Science ID 000351690800003

View details for PubMedID 25043608