Pharyngeal swallowing dysfunction following treatment for oral and pharyngeal cancer--association with diminished intraoral sensation and discrimination ability.

BACKGROUND Swallowing disorders following treatment for oral and pharyngeal cancer are mainly considered a surgical sequel. The recent finding that radiotherapy-induced decline in intraoral sensory abilities established an incentive to elucidate any association between the degree of sensory decline and the degree of swallowing dysfunction. METHODS Oral and pharyngeal swallowing was cineradiographically examined in 15 patients with oral or pharyngeal cancer before and after treatment. The patients were also tested for intraoral sensation, shape recognition, and hole size identification. RESULTS Swallowing function deteriorated in 67% of the patients 6 months posttreatment, with no significant improvement after 12 months. The degree of swallowing dysfunction was statistically significantly associated with the degree of diminished intraoral sensation and shape recognition. CONCLUSION In the quest for rehabilitation after treatment for oral and pharyngeal cancer, the impact of impaired intraoral sensation and discrimination ability on swallowing function should be taken into consideration.