ABSTRACT
It's very important to demarcate that voice is the production of sound by the larynx while speech is articulation of the produced sound by tongue movements, soft palate and the lips. Mucositis, dysphagia, change in speech and voice are the common sequelae of Radiotherapy (RT) alone or in combination with chemotherapy (CRT) which is commonly used in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). The aim of this study was to investigate the patient-reported voice impairment among non laryngeal head and neck cancer survivors who were treated with curative RT/CRT with or without surgery. This tertiary institutional assessor blinded study consists of a study cohort of 128 patients who after of completion of treatment for HNC reported to the laryngology clinic for voice complaints and throat discomfort. The assessment included laryngeal endoscopic and stroboscopic imaging, acoustics assessment and VHI (Vocal handicap index). This study cohort consisted of 89.8% males and 11.2% females. There was hyperadduction and strain of ventricular bands in almost all the cases. There was hyperactivity and compression of both true and false cords in 80.5% of the cases. DSI impairment level showed significant association with gender, VHI, GRBAS score and RT/CRT and it did not show significant association with smoking and surgery, while VHI showed significant association with DSI and RT/CRT and it did not show significant association with gender, smoking and surgery. Muscle tension is a very common effect of RT/RCT and dysphonia can be easily associated with it. Future research needs to focus on specific voice treatment regimens in HNC treated with RT/CRT to improve the quality of life of these patients.
ABSTRACT
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity, the lateral border being the commonest site. The treatment strategies mandate surgery followed by appropriate reconstruction as the first line of management. There are many suitable methods of reconstruction of tongue defects after surgery, but the principle of an ideal reconstruction method should provide not only satisfactory structural cosmesis, but also good restoration of function. We present our experience with the skin lined free flaps reconstruction for defects of the tongue and floor of mouth, and present analyses of the functional outcomes of reconstruction. This prospective longitudinal study included 93 patients and was conducted in a tertiary care center in Punjab. All patients underwent free flap reconstruction after tumor removal. The functional outcome of the tongue following reconstruction was evaluated 9 months after the completion of treatment. Functions were assessed and matched with sexes and age-matched normal individuals. The data obtained were analyzed by the student 't' test and the p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The duration of swallowing in patients with FRF flap and ALT flap when compared to the normative was significant (< 0.05). There were changes in configuration and volume of the oral cavity after surgery which generates resonant and articulatory alterations, thus the intelligibility of the patient's speech is lowered. There is also a restriction in the tongue movements and reduction in the sensations of the reconstructed part of the tongue. Both the free ALT flap and the FRF flap can provide acceptable functional restoration of the tongue after radical tumor resection.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: In Indian population, the estimated prevalence of OSA is 7.5% to 13.5%. Craniofacial anatomical variations and obesity are the major risk factors for OSA. Among the craniofacial anatomy, the neck circumference and abnormal craniofacial morphology play an important role in the pathogenesis of OSA. Obesity is the major risk factor for which waist and hip circumference and BMI are considered. Aim: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the impact of hyoid position, mandible body length (MBL) and anthropometric measurements on sleep indices in patients with snoring in North Indian population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the position of the hyoid, mandible body length and anthropometric measurements, of 104 patients attending ENT OPD with the complaint of snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. All subjects underwent a full overnight polysomnography. The position of the hyoid, MBL and the anthropometric measurements were compared with the sleep architecture of the subjects, and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A strong positive correlation is seen between the position of the hyoid, MBL and anthropometric measurements on the sleep indices in this study. Pearson 2-tailed correlation was evaluated, and upon analysis, it was found that at significance level of 0.01, obesity (BMI) is strongly correlated with overall AHI with correlation coefficient of 0.926, whereas AHI in supine position was having coefficient of 0.837 and AHI on right side and left side was almost same 0.597 and 0.575, respectively. Similarly WC is strongly correlated with AHI and RDI, having coefficient of 0.930 with both. NC and HC also showed strong positive correlation with overall AHI and RDI having correlation coefficient of 0.893, 0.926 with AHI and 0.893, 0.926 with RDI, respectively. The MBL also showed a strong positive correlation with AHI and RDI with correlation coefficient of 0.994 in both. The position of the hyoid also showed a strong positive correlation with AHI and RDI. Conclusion: Results indicated that significant positive correlation was found between position of the hyoid, MBL and anthropometric measurements on the sleep indices in patients with snoring in North Indian population.
