Dische et al developed a grading scheme for swallowing toxicity after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The authors are from Mount Vernon Hospital in Middlesex, England.
Patient selection: head and neck cancer, treated with radiation therapy
Parameters:
(1) discomfort while swallowing
(2) nutritional source
Discomfort
Nutritional Source
Grade
none
normal
0 (normal)
present
normal to non-soft
1
NA
soft diet required
2
NA
fluid or liquid diet
3
NA
unable to eat; requires IV or enteral feeding
4
where:
• Discomfort is not graded for intensity or duration.
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