Open AccessDetermining the Impact of Thickened Liquids on Swallowing in Patients Undergoing Irradiation for Oropharynx Cancer
Author(s) -
Barbon Carly E. A.,
Chepeha Douglas B.,
Hope Andrew J.,
PeladeauPigeon Melanie,
Waito Ashley A.,
Steele Catriona M.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/01945998211010435
Subject(s) - dysphagia , swallowing , medicine , head and neck cancer , penetration (warfare) , radiation therapy , population , surgery , operations research , engineering , environmental health
The current standard for the treatment of oropharynx cancers is radiation therapy. However, patients are frequently left with dysphagia characterized by penetration‐aspiration (impaired safety) and residue (impaired efficiency). Although thickened liquids are commonly used to manage dysphagia, we lack evidence to guide the modification of liquids for clinical benefit in the head and neck cancer population. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of slightly and mildly thick liquids on penetration‐aspiration and residue in 12 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who displayed penetration‐aspiration on thin liquid within 3 to 6 months after completion of radiotherapy. Significantly fewer instances of penetration‐aspiration were seen with slightly and mildly thick liquids as compared with thin ( P <. 05). No differences were found across stimuli in the frequency of residue. Patients with oropharyngeal cancers who present with post–radiation therapy dysphagia involving penetration‐aspiration on thin liquids may benefit from slightly and mildly thick liquids without risk of worse residue.