The effect of radiotherapy on neurogenic speech and language disorders of patients with primary brain tumour in the early period

Abstract

Within the scope of the study, it is aimed to reveal the effect of radiotherapy applied to neurogenic speech and language disorder patients diagnosed with primary brain tumour in the early period. The participants of the study consist of 35 patients selected among those with primary brain tumour who applied to the Radiation Oncology Unit of İstanbul Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital. Within the scope of the research, Gülhane Aphasia Test 2 (GAT-2) and Standardized Mini Mental Test (MMT) were applied to the participants before they received radiotherapy. GAT-2 and MMT were reapplied to the patients 30 days after they had received radiotherapy as part of the treatment process. Results of the study indicated that, before radiotherapy, tumours formed in the frontal and temporal lobes, including the dominant language centers, had a negative effect on the cognitive performance of the patients, as well as their speech and language skills. However, after radiotherapy was applied, two patients with tumours in the left parietal lobe had a decrease in their speech and language skills, while no deterioration was observed in the speech and language skills of the other participants. This may be due to the early phase of radiotherapy.