Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Post-Surgical or Post-Treatment Conditions
Number of Conditions: 2
Post-radiation fibrosis of the throat
Specialty: Conditions with Overlap
Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations
Sub-category: Post-Surgical or Post-Treatment Conditions
Symptoms:
chronic sore throat; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); dry mouth; hoarseness; sensation of a lump in the throat; limited range of motion of the neck; reduced vocal quality
Root Cause:
Radiation therapy causes scarring and stiffening of tissues in the throat, leading to reduced function and flexibility in structures such as the larynx and pharynx.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical history of prior radiation therapy to the head or neck area. Imaging (such as CT or MRI) may be used to assess tissue changes. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy or a barium swallow test can evaluate swallowing function.
Treatment:
Treatment may involve speech therapy to improve swallowing and vocal function, along with corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation. Surgery to remove fibrotic tissue may be considered in severe cases.
Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) - Used to reduce inflammation and swelling. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that help manage scarring and symptoms. Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen , ibuprofen ) - To manage discomfort or pain.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 20-40% of patients who undergo radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Radiation dose, radiation to the throat and neck area, prior head and neck cancer treatment.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies, but symptoms may improve with therapy. Severe fibrosis may lead to permanent swallowing difficulties and changes in speech.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), aspiration pneumonia, airway obstruction, voice loss, and reduced quality of life.
Post-operative nasal synechiae (scar tissue formation)
Specialty: Conditions with Overlap
Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations
Sub-category: Post-Surgical or Post-Treatment Conditions
Symptoms:
nasal obstruction; reduced airflow through the nostrils; difficulty breathing through the nose; recurrent sinus infections; dryness and crusting inside the nasal passages
Root Cause:
Scar tissue forms between the nasal structures, such as between the septum and the turbinates, as a result of previous surgery (e.g., septoplasty, sinus surgery).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through nasal endoscopy or CT imaging of the sinuses. It can be confirmed by visualizing scar tissue and adhesions during the examination.
Treatment:
Treatment may include nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation, and in more severe cases, surgical revision to remove the scar tissue and prevent further formation of adhesions.
Medications:
Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone , mometasone ) - Used to reduce inflammation and prevent further scar tissue formation. Saline nasal sprays - To maintain moisture in the nasal passages and reduce crusting.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The condition is relatively rare but can occur in up to 10-20% of patients who undergo nasal or sinus surgery.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous nasal surgery, infection following surgery, improper healing, and use of cautery during surgery.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good if treated early; however, recurrence of synechiae may occur in some patients.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic nasal obstruction, recurrent sinus infections, reduced quality of life due to difficulty breathing, and potential need for multiple surgeries.