Swallowing after Oral Oncological Treatment: A Five-Year Prospective Study
Metadatos
Afficher la notice complèteEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Swallowing Oral function Oral oncology Head and neck cancer
Date
2023-09-01Referencia bibliográfica
Speksnijder, C.M.; Ortiz-Comino, L.; de Haan, A.F.J.; Fernández-Lao, C.; de Bree, R.; Merkx, M.A.W. Swallowing after Oral Oncological Treatment: A Five-Year Prospective Study. Cancers 2023, 15, 4371. [https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15174371]
Résumé
Background: Swallowing rehabilitation in curative treated patients with oral cancer is still
a challenge. Different factors may influence these patients’ swallowing function. The aim of this
study was to identify factors associated with swallowing function up to 5 years after cancer treatment.
Methods: Swallowing duration and frequency of 5 mL water and 15 mL applesauce were measured
in 123 patients treated for oral cancer. Mixed model analyses were performed to identify associated
factors. Results: Age influenced all measured swallowing outcomes. Assessment moment, gender,
tumor location, maximum tongue force, and tactile sensory function of the tongue were associated
with both water and applesauce swallowing duration, tumor classification was associated with water
swallowing duration, and alcohol consumption was associated with applesauce swallowing duration.
Assessment moment, cancer treatment, maximum tongue force, and tactile sensory function of the
tongue were associated with water and applesauce swallowing frequency. Conclusion: Patients who
are older at diagnosis, women, and patients who regularly consume alcohol before their treatment
may have poorer swallow functioning after curative oral cancer treatment. Patients that fit these
criteria should have their swallowing evaluated during clinical follow-ups and sent to swallowing
therapy when needed. During this therapy, optimizing tongue function needs attention to maintain
an optimal swallowing function.