J Korean Dysphagia Soc.  2018 Jan;8(1):35-40. 10.0000/jkdps.2018.8.1.35.

Predictors of Long Term Prognosis of Dysphagia in Tonsil Cancer Patients

• Kwon YG
• Choi KH
• Nam SY
• Choi SH
• Roh JL
• Yang S
• Yi YG

• KMID: 2406780
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jkdps.2018.8.1.35

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the factors affecting long-term prognosis for dysphagia in tonsil cancer patients, after treatment. METHOD: This was a retrospective study of subjects who underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) following treatment for stage 3 or 4 tonsil cancer. Data including sex, age, cancer characteristics, and methods of cancer treatment were collected. To evaluate the swallowing-related outcome, we collected data including findings regarding the last VFSS, method of feeding, and history of aspiration pneumonia requiring in-patient care. We evaluated the correlation between these data and the characteristics of cancer and treatment methods. RESULT: Among 32 subjects included in this study, eight had aspiration or penetration confirmed by the last VFSS. There were no significant differences in swallowing-related factors according to the presence of aspiration or penetration in the last VFSS. Patients who underwent curative tonsillectomy retained more residues on the last VFSS than those who did not.
CONCLUSION
Among subjects with tonsil cancer, history of curative tonsillectomy was correlated with more pharyngeal residue. However, other cancer- or treatment-related factors did not affect the outcome of swallowing.

Keyword

Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS); Deglutition disorders; Tonsillar neoplasms; Prognosis

MeSH Terms

Deglutition
Deglutition Disorders*
Humans
Methods
Palatine Tonsil*
Pneumonia, Aspiration
Prognosis*
Retrospective Studies
Tonsillar Neoplasms*
Tonsillectomy