• Yi-Hsiang Chiu, Wen-Hsuan Tseng, Jenq-Yuh Ko, and Tyng-Guey Wang.
• Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
• J Formos Med Assoc. 2022 Jan 1; 121 (1 Pt 1): 3-13.

AbstractSwallowing dysfunction is a prevailing state following radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Following the advancement of cancer treatment in recent years, the survival rate of head and neck cancer has gradually increased. Simultaneously, patients with head and neck cancer suffer due to the long-duration and more prominent swallowing dysfunction states. Based on an extensive literature review, we aimed to explore the mechanisms, risk factors, and clinical evaluations of swallowing dysfunction and their related symptoms following radiotherapy. These include functional changes of the muscles, trismus, xerostomia, neuropathy, and lymphedema. When swallowing dysfunction occurs, patients usually seek medical help and are referred for rehabilitation therapy, such as muscle strengthening and tongue resistance exercise. Furthermore, clinicians should discuss with patients how and when to place the feeding tube. Only through detailed evaluation and management can swallowing dysfunction resolve and improve the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer following radiotherapy.Copyright © 2021 Formosan Medical Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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