SWALLOWING AND QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES EARLY AFTER RADIATION THERAPY IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the changes in swallowing function and quality of life in early period after radiotherapy in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Methods: Fourty patients with HNC were included in the study. Swallowing function was evaluated by Modified Barium Swallowing Study. Penetration-Aspiration Scale was used to determine the penetration aspiration severity. European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Assessments in Head and Neck Cancer (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) which are specific to cancer patients with acceptable validity and reliability were used for quality of life assessment. All evaluations were performed three times including before radiotherapy, 1 and 3 months after radiotherapy. Results: The aspiration severity were gradually increased after radiotherapy (p < 0.001). There was no difference after radiotherapy in all subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 (p > 0.0166). Pain and feeling illness decreased (p < 0.001), swallowing problems, dry mouth, sticky saliva (p < 0.001), teeth, mouth-opening problems (p < 0.016) increased after radiotherapy. There was a moderate, negative correlation between aspiration severity and general health status scale (p < 0.001). There was a moderate, positive correlation between aspiration severity and symptom scale, swallowing ability, social eating, dry mouth, sticky saliva and coughing (p < 0.05). Discussion: It can be concluded that swallowing function and swallowing related quality of life parameters were affected negatively in the early period after radiotherapy despite no change in general quality of life perception. It is important for clinicians to be aware of swallowing disorders and its effects on quality of life in the early period to prevent patients from potential long-term effects of swallowing disorders on general quality of life.