Study of Secretory Otitis after Radiotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

[Purpose] To investigate the incidence and treatment of secretory otitis after radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma . [Methods] Secretory otitis in 104 patients(208 ears) with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were observed before and after radiotherapy . [Results] Incidence rale of secretory otitis resulting from radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma was 44. 1% (64/145 ears) .50. 1% (33/64 ears)of them occurred in 6 monthes after radiotherapy. Irradiation damage and increasing negative pressure in middle ear before radiotherapy may be closely associated with secretory otitis . [ Conclusion ] Secretory otitis is one of the causes which influence middle ear function after radiotherapy lor patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Improvement of radiotherapy technique ,effective drug, ventilation tube insertion and myringotomy may be helpful in prevention of secretory otitis . But the incidence of otorrhea is very high.