Influence of Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma on Middle Ear Functions and Prevention of Secretory Otitis

Objective To investigate the influence of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma on middle ear functions and to find an effective management.Methods The development of secretory otitis and the change of middle ear pressure in 163 patients(326 ears) with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were observated before and after radiotherapy.Results Incidence of secretory otitis resulting from radiotherapy for nosopharyngeal carcinoma was 41.6%(102/245 ears),47.1%(48/102 ears) of them occured in 6 monthes after radiotherapy.The direct irradiation demage and the rising negative pressure of middle ear before raditherapy may be closely associated with it.Conclusion The secretory otitis is one of the causes which influence middle ear functions after radiotherapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Improvement of radiotherapy technique,effective drug and tympanum intubation may be helpful.