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Complications associated with therapeutic neck radiation
- Source :
- Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 54:1409-1415
- Publication Year :
- 1996
- Publisher :
- Elsevier BV, 1996.
-
Abstract
- Purpose: This retrospective study of patients who underwent neck radiation as part of their treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity sought to identify and quantify the morbidity associated with this treatment. Patients and Methods: Thirty-five patients who received neck radiation between 1985 and 1992 were randomly recalled for examination. All patients had been treated in a standardized fashion by the Department of Radiation Oncology. The long-term effects of neck radiation on skin changes, thyroid function, and neck range of motion, of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease, xerostomia, and glottic structures were measured. Results: Fifty-seven percent of patients demonstrated grade 1 skin changes. No severe changes were noted, and no development of secondary neoplasia was observed. There was no linear trend observed between radiation dose and skin changes. Hypothyroidism developed in 14.3% of patients within 3.5 years posttreatment. Logistic regression demonstrated a significant association between hypothyroidism and radiation dose. Limitation of neck mobility was the most significant complication with deficits demonstrated in all ranges of motion. Carotid bruits were documented in 14.3% of patients, with a significant association between the higher neck dosage in N+ cases. Xerostomia was found in 68% of patients. There was persistent glottic erythema in 11.4% of patients. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that there are persistent complications after neck radiation, which include limitation of neck movement, diminished thyroid function, accelerated carotid artery narrowing, and skin and salivary changes.
- Subjects :
- Male
medicine.medical_specialty
Erythema
medicine.medical_treatment
Xerostomia
Hypothyroidism
Carotid artery disease
medicine
Humans
Carotid Stenosis
Range of Motion, Articular
Retrospective Studies
Skin
Radiotherapy
business.industry
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
Radiotherapy Dosage
Retrospective cohort study
Middle Aged
medicine.disease
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Logistic Models
Otorhinolaryngology
Epidermoid carcinoma
Carotid bruit
Head Movements
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Female
Mouth Neoplasms
Radiology
Larynx
Oral Surgery
medicine.symptom
Thyroid function
Complication
business
Neck
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 02782391
- Volume :
- 54
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....fcc9203b5d61f5749f145d86e03bbda0