Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of swallowing training on dysphagia in patients with head and neck neoplasm receiving radiotherapy. Methods 60 patients with head and neck neoplasm receiving radiotherapy from March, 2014 to August, 2015 were divided into intervention group (n=30) and control group (n=30) randomly. The control group received routine nursing and relevant health education, while the intervention group received swallowing training from 2 weeks before to 3 months after radiotherapy. They were assessed with Functional Oral Intake Scale and M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory 1 week, 3 months after radiotherapy. Results The scores of Functional Oral Intake Scale (Z=-3.195, P<0.01), the total score of M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory and the subscores (t>4.385, P<0.01) were better in the intervention group than in the control group 1 week after radiotherapy, as well as 3 months after radiotherapy (Z=-4.436, P< 0.01; t>5.361, P<0.01). Conclusion Swallowing training could improve the condition of dysphagia of head and neck neoplasm patients after radiotherapy.

Key words: neoplasm, head, neck, radiotherapy, dysphagia, swallowing training