Evaluation of salivary and gustatory disorders after radiotherapy of head and neck neoplasms
Deneufbourg, J.M.; Lupo, A.
Revue Medicale de Liege 41(17): 649-654
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-629X PMID: 3764236 Document Number: 270884
An interview, an examination of the buccal cavity, biological determinations (albumin level, hematocrit, and serum Zn levels), and gustatory tests were practiced on 21 healed patients. Eleven had been treated for amygdaline epithelioma, 6 for cancer of the buccal cavity, and 4 for otorhinolaryngological lymphoma. Seventeen had received radiotherapy alone, the others postoperative irradiation. All patients complained of a dryness of mouth sensation with a necessity for frequent drinking and difficulty in eating and talking. Two thirds reported loss of taste and disagreeable sensations. The examination confirmed hypoptyalism and xerostomia. The thresholds of distinction and recognition of 4 basic flavors (sweet, salty, bitter, and acid) were higher than those of a healthy reference population.