Background: Swallowing rehabilitation in curative treated patients with oral cancer is still a challenge. Different factors may influence these patients’ swallowing function. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with swallowing function up to 5 years after cancer treatment. Methods: Swallowing duration and frequency of 5 mL water and 15 mL applesauce were measured in 123 patients treated for oral cancer. Mixed model analyses were performed to identify associated factors. Results: Age influenced all measured swallowing outcomes. Assessment moment, gender, tumor location, maximum tongue force, and tactile sensory function of the tongue were associated with both water and applesauce swallowing duration, tumor classification was associated with water swallowing duration, and alcohol consumption was associated with applesauce swallowing duration. Assessment moment, cancer treatment, maximum tongue force, and tactile sensory function of the tongue were associated with water and applesauce swallowing frequency. Conclusion: Patients who are older at diagnosis, women, and patients who regularly consume alcohol before their treatment may have poorer swallow functioning after curative oral cancer treatment. Patients that fit these criteria should have their swallowing evaluated during clinical follow-ups and sent to swallowing therapy when needed. During this therapy, optimizing tongue function needs attention to maintain an optimal swallowing function.
背景：对于接受根治性治疗的口腔癌患者而言，吞咽功能康复仍是一项挑战。多种因素可能影响这些患者的吞咽功能。本研究旨在明确与癌症治疗后5年内吞咽功能相关的因素。方法：对123名接受口腔癌治疗的患者进行了5毫升水和15毫升苹果酱的吞咽时长与吞咽频率测量。采用混合模型分析以识别相关影响因素。结果：年龄对所有测量的吞咽结果均产生影响。评估时间点、性别、肿瘤位置、最大舌压及舌部触觉功能与水和苹果酱的吞咽时长均相关；肿瘤分期与水的吞咽时长相关；饮酒习惯与苹果酱的吞咽时长相关。评估时间点、癌症治疗方案、最大舌压及舌部触觉功能与水和苹果酱的吞咽频率均相关。结论：确诊时年龄较大、女性及治疗前有规律饮酒习惯的患者在接受根治性口腔癌治疗后可能面临更差的吞咽功能。符合这些标准的患者应在临床随访期间接受吞咽功能评估，并在需要时转介至吞咽治疗。在此类治疗中，需重点关注舌功能的优化以维持最佳吞咽功能。
Swallowing after Oral Oncological Treatment: A Five-Year Prospective Study
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家