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Radiotherapy of the neck influences the distribution of laryngeal secretory glands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

Tadashi Nakashima ,
Hideichiro Tomita ,
Sachio Tsuda  and
Shun-ichi Chitose
Tadashi Nakashima
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
Hideichiro Tomita
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
Sachio Tsuda
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
Shun-ichi Chitose
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
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Abstract

To elucidate the influence of radiation therapy on the larynx in patients who receive radiotherapy to the neck, we observed the changes in the distribution of the laryngeal glands. Human adult larynges from patients with either laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer were histopathologically examined, and the changes in the glandular distribution as well as in the ratio of serous or mucous type cells were surveyed using an image analysis system. The mean ratio of the area occupied by glandular acini in the subglottic larynx was 0.182 in the non-radiation group and 0.098 in the radiation group (p < 0.001). Although no statistical difference was observed, the average density of the glands decreased and the average ratio of serous-type/mucous-type glandular cells decreased in the irradiated larynx. The glandular acini are often replaced with fibrous connective tissue and the ratio of serous-type glandular cells decreases. These results indicate that not only the voice function but also the local defence function of the larynx might be impaired after radiotherapy.

Keywords

Bodily SecretionsLarynxNeoplasmsRadiotherapyMucosal Immunity
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 119 , Issue 12 , December 2005 , pp. 976 - 980
Copyright
© 2005 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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