A 10-YEAR LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF TUBAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA AFTER IRRADIATION

Objective: To follow up the chronological change of tubal function in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma for 10 years after irradiation. Design: Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were subjected to eust achian tube function tests before irradiation and 6 months, 5 years, a nd 10 years after irradiation. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Ten patients (20 ears), 7 men and 3 women. Results: Twelve (60%) of t he ears had patulous tubes 10 years after irradiation, which might res ult from atrophy of peritubal tissues. The occurrence of a patulous tu be was independent of the radiation dosage, but it was related to the interval since irradiation. Conclusion: Development of a patulous tube is associated with correction of organic obstruction of the eustachia n tube. Resolution of the inflammatory reaction plays the most importa nt role in recovery of function of the tube. Therefore, the prevalence of middle ear complications is low 10 years after irradiation.