The Changes in Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscles Related to Head and Neck Radiotherapy: A Systemic Review
2020
Abstract
It is well known that radiation damage of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, the glottic larynx, and the supraglottic larynx may lead to dysphagia, an unwanted effect of head and neck radiotherapy. The reduction of radiotherapy-induced dysphagia might be achieved by adaptive radiotherapy.
Although the number of studies concerning adaptive radiotherapy of head and neck cancer is continuously increasing, there are only a few studies concerning changes in dysphagia-related structures during radiotherapy. The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about volumetric, dosimetric, and other changes of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles associated with head and neck radiotherapy.