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The otological status of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after megavoltage radiotherapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Nelson L. S. Tang ,
Alexander T. K. Choy ,
D. Gareth John  and
C. A. van Hasselt
Nelson L. S. Tang
Affiliation:
Hong Kong
Alexander T. K. Choy
Affiliation:
Hong Kong
D. Gareth John
Affiliation:
Hong Kong
C. A. van Hasselt*
Affiliation:
Hong Kong
*
C. A. van Hasselt, Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong. Fax: (852 6466312)
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Abstract

A middle ear effusion is a common complication of nasopharyngeal carcinoma both before and after radiotherapy. An effusion was found in 38 per cent of patients before radiotherapy and 9 per cent developed an effusion after the start of radiotherapy. Surgical treatment by myringotomy with or without grommet insertion was associated with a high incidence of otorrhoea (26 per cent) which was often refractory to treatment. In view of the frequency of this complication and the fact that a middle ear effusion may not be of concern to an adult patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a ‘wait and see’ policy may be appropriate in the management of a middle ear effusion in these patients.

Keywords

Nasopharyngeal neoplasmsRadiotherapyOtitis media with effusionComplicationsotological

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 106 , Issue 12 , December 1992 , pp. 1055 - 1058
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

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