Evaluation of Late Radiation Side Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients

The prolongation of survival in cases with nasopharynx cancer has made quality of life after treatment more important. The aim of this study is to consider late toxicity developing after treatment in order to maintain a high quality of life. Thirty-two patients receiving radiotherapy (RI) to the neck region 1-10 years ago due to nasopharyngeal carcinoma were included in the study. Neck ultrasonography (USG), thyroid function tests and dynamic brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were carried out for carotid artery stenosis, hypothyroidism, and necrosis of the temporal lobe. Obtained data were analyzed with the SPSS 11.5. Intima-media thickness of below 60 Gy and above 60 Gy doses administered to the neck were similar. Intima-media thickness was greater in patients with a period longer than 5 years after RT than with a period shorter than 5 years (p< 0.001). lntima-media thicknesses of the patients above 40 years, with high cholesterol values, a history of smoking and hypertension were higher than those without them (p< 0.001). There was hypothyroidism in five (15%) of the 32 patients. Necrosis of the temporal lobe was not seen in any of the patients. Carotid artery stenosis after treatment depends more on the duration of the period after treatment and the patient's being in the age group when atherosclerotic risk factors are present than on the amount of dose administered.