Eustachian tube function of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Journal
Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology
Journal Volume
104
Journal Issue
6
Date Issued
1995-01-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Prolonged observations of the eustachian tube (ET) function were made on 40 ears of 20 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who survived more than 5 years after radiotherapy in a state of remission. The ET function tests included passive opening, inflation-deflation, and clearance, and were performed before, at 6 months, and at 5 years after radiotherapy. The test results were found to be worst at 6 months after radiotherapy and improved at 5 years after radiotherapy. Tubal obstruction and inflammation are the main causes of the ET malfunction that results in otitis media with effusion (OME) in NPC patients after radiotherapy. Insertion of a ventilation tube into the ear with OME can relieve tubal obstruction but can aggravate inflammation. Thus, myringotomy and aspiration of effusion and local treatment may be preferable to insertion of a ventilation tube in NPC patients with OME. When hearing improvement in prolonged survival of NPC patients with OME is needed, the use of amplification is recommended. © 1995, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.
Subjects
eustachian tube function | myringotomy | nasopharyngeal carcinoma | otitis media with effusion | ventilation tube
SDGs
Type
journal article