Effects of Oral Cancer Treatments on Upper Esophageal Opening During Swallowing

University of Wisconsin, Madison5 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to investigate post-operative and post-radiation upper esophageal sphincter opening measures in oral cancer patients, compare measures to age- and gender-matched healthy adults, and determine relationships with patient swallowing outcomes and quality of life.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Cancer of Head and Neck

Interventions

Videofluoroscopic imaging (VFSS) with high-resolution manometry (HRM)DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

The Videofluoroscopic Imaging (VFSS) is done by inserting a small catheter into the nose and down the throat. The catheter is approximately .4 millimeters in diameter. A trained speech-language pathologist will insert the catheter after applying numbing medicine, or topical anesthetic, inside the nose. The high-resolution manometry (HRM) is a swallowing pressure test done at the same time as the VFSS. The HRM will measure how strong the throat muscle squeeze the liquids and foods that a person swallows. The VFSS and HRM will occur about one month after surgery and three months after the completion of the radiation treatment.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Oral cancer that includes tongue or floor of mouth clinical stage T1 or higher * May have disease that extends to base of tongue or other site as long as floor of mouth or tongue are involved * Adults at least 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Oral cancer of the lip, cheek, palate or other site not impacting tongue or floor of mouth musculature * History of floor of mouth, tongue base, pharyngeal or laryngeal surgical resection * History of radiation treatment to the head and neck * History of dysphagia prior to onset of oral cancer symptoms * Allergy to lidocaine, barium, adhesive tape or apple flavoring * Woman of childbearing years who are pregnant

Locations (1)

University of Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Upper Esophageal Maximum Admittance as measured by HRM among time points of oral cancer treatment.

This measure provides understanding of how well throat muscles pull the upper esophagus open to allow flow of liquid or food from the throat to the esophagus.