Improvement of a Delayed Swallowing Reflex with Treatment in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Abstract Background The latency of the swallowing reflex is an important factor causing dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. Although there are many reports comparing swallowing function before and after treatment, few studies have focused on the latency of the swallowing reflex. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the changes in the latency of the swallowing reflex before and after treatment. Methods The latency of the swallowing reflex was quantified using the time from the injection of 1 ml of distilled water into the pharynx through a nasal catheter to the onset of swallowing. Results The latency time of the swallowing reflex was significantly decreased 3 months after treatment compared to before treatment. Significant reduction was also observed in patients with pharyngeal cancer who underwent chemoradiation therapy. Conclusions This retrospective study showed that a delayed swallowing reflex improved with treatment in advanced head and neck cancer patients.