A 10-year longitudinal study of tubal function in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after irradiation
Journal
Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Journal Volume
123
Journal Issue
9
Pages
945-948
Date Issued
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: To follow up the chronological change of tubal function in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma for 10 years after irradiation. Design: Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were subjected to eustachian tube function tests before irradiation and 6 months, 5 years, and 10 years after irradiation. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Ten patients (20 ears), 7 men and 3 women. Results: Twelve (60%) of the ears had patulous tubes 10 years after irradiation, which might result from atrophy of peritubal tissues. The occurrence of a patulous tube was independent of the radiation dosage, but it was related to the interval since irradiation. Conclusions: Development of a patulous tube is associated with correction of organic obstruction of the eustachian tube. Resolution of the inflammatory reaction plays the most important role in recovery of function of the tube. Therefore, the prevalence of middle ear complications is low 10 years after irradiation.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; article; auditory tube; cancer radiotherapy; clinical article; controlled study; female; functional assessment; human; inflammation; male; middle ear disease; nasopharynx carcinoma; treatment outcome; treatment planning
Publisher
American Medical Association
Type
journal article