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lung aspiration following radiation

kam123
kam123 CSN Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
hello to the forum! My husband is 5 1/2 years out of treatment (surgery and radiation) for base of tongue cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes. That's the good news! The problem, now, is that he is aspirating food into his lungs. He doesn't want to have to get a feeding tube, but we're at a loss as to what to do in order to get this problem to stop. Any advice would be appreciated!
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Comments

  • bethne
    bethne CSN Member Posts: 3
    #2
    After I completed radiation in Nov., my throat closed completely. I still have swallowing problems and aspiration and am wholly dependent on my PEG tube. I would suggest that your husband see his ENT to order a modium barium swallow test and FEES exam (where they stick small camera down your throat). Those tests will show what is going on with his swallowing problems. He may need to have his esophagus dilated (I have had seven procedures) and then possibly speech therapy to improve swallowing. Best of luck to you both.
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  • grayharrin
    grayharrin CSN Member Posts: 3
    #3
    i had my throat dialated this helped me, see your ENT good luck
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