Voice and Swallowing Outcome following Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma of Unknown Primary

Abstract

Objectives:

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) of unknown primary present without voice or swallowing symptoms. This study aims to analyze the impact of radiotherapy on the voice and swallowing function in this subgroup of HNSCC patients.

Methods:

This was an original cross-sectional study. All patients with treated HNSCC of unknown primary identified from the head and neck cancer database in August 2012 in Greater Glasgow and Clyde had their voice assessed using the Voice Symptoms Scale (VoiSS) and their swallowing function assessed using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI).

Results:

Questionnaires were sent to 30 patients. A 67% response rate was obtained. There were 5 females and 15 males with a mean age of 61 years (range, 49-81 years). Six patients had no surgical intervention and oncological treatment alone. All patients were free of disease at the time of the study. The mean VoiSS score was 29.45 (range, 4-62) and mean MDADI score was 63.94 (range, 26-100). One patient did not complete the MDADI form so was excluded from this analysis. There was no statistically significant change in patient voice and swallowing function. There was a trend for improved function with longer duration since treatment.

Conclusions:

Functional assessment should form an integral part of the assessment of HNSCC patients. This cohort of patients did not have a significant voice and swallowing functional impact secondary to their treatment.