Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients with Laryngeal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a frequent and clinically relevant consequence in laryngeal cancer patients due to tumor-associated structural alteration and functional restriction related to therapy. It negatively impacts nutritional status, airway protection, and quality of life, which warrants complications that arise from its delayed identification and assessment.

Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with laryngeal cancer using Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) and examine association between demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Forat Al-Awsat Oncology Center, Al-Najaf City, Iraq from January to May 2025. A purposive sample was used of 68 laryngeal cancer cases. Demographic, clinical details were noted through structured questionnaire and GUSS. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22 and utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics at a p ≤ 0.05 level of significance.

Results: Moderate dysphagia was the most common level (44.1%) and mean GUSS score represented overall moderate swallowing dysfunction. Statistical relationships were found between dysphagia severity and age, BMI, time since cancer diagnosis, modality of treatment, radiotherapy technique and number of radiotherapy fractions (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is common laryngeal cancer patients occurring in the majority of cases and highly associated with demographic and treatment factors. Regular swallowing assessment and early multidisciplinary intervention are recommended to prevent complications and enhance recovery of these patients.

Keywords:

Laryngeal Cancer, Dysphagia, Swallowing ability, GUSS

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