Effectiveness of a physiotherapy protocol in a patient with dysphagia following radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma in retromolar trigone: A case report

Abstract

Abstract Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the retromolar trigone of the oral cavity is an aggressive form of cancer, often leading to dysphagia as a result of radiotherapy (RT). This case report examines the efficacy of a combined physiotherapy protocol in treating RT-associated dysphagia. Case Presentation: A 43-year-old male diagnosed with SCC, displaying significant difficulty swallowing post-RT, was subjected to a 4-week physiotherapy treatment. The protocol incorporated swallowing exercises, such as lip protrusion/retraction, tongue retraction, and maneuvers including the Mendelsohn maneuver and effortful swallow, complemented by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) at the submandibular area. Outcomes: Posttreatment assessment revealed notable improvement in the patient’s swallowing capability, with increased scores on the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory. Conclusion: The application of swallowing exercises combined with NMES may offer a promising approach to ameliorate dysphagia symptoms in patients post-RT for SCC. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols.