Prognostic factors for swallowing after treatment of head and neck cancer

Abstract

In order to investigate prognostic factors for swallowing after curative treatment of head and neck cancer, the records of 82 consecutively treated patients were analysed retrospectively. All patients had an exhaustive assessment of swallowing after the oncological treatment, and all had an adequate follow-up. In general, a major improvement in swallowing was observed after rehabilitation, although some patients (9/82) still had major problems. Patients with transport problems have a significantly better prognosis than patients with aspiration. No single parameter was strongly correlated with the outcome of swallowing. A weighted score (presence/absence of pharyngeal reflexes combined with the quality of laryngeal sphincter function) was of satisfactory prognostic value for improvement in the quality of swallowing.