Esophagoscopy in Evaluating Treatment in Patients With Stage I-IV Head and Neck Cancer Who Are Undergoing Radiation Therapy and/or Chemotherapy

Prospective Evaluation of Esophageal Pathology Treatment of Head and Neck Carcinoma

Brief Summary:

RATIONALE: Comparing results of diagnostic procedures, such as esophagoscopy, done before and after radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may help doctors predict a patient's response to treatment and help plan the best treatment.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying esophagoscopy in evaluating treatment in patients with stage I-IV head and neck cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES:

I. To assess the prevalence of esophageal pathology (any esophageal abnormality, specifically: esophagitis, stricture/web, infections, neoplasms) as identified by esophagoscopy in patients with HNCA before and 3 months following primary radiation and/or chemotherapy.

II. To assess the changes in self-reported dysphagia symptoms as measured by the Eating Assessment Tool.

OUTLINE:

Patients undergo transnasal esophagoscopy at baseline and 3 months following completion of radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

Inclusion

• Written informed consent must be obtained from all participants prior to beginning therapy; participants should have the ability to understand and be willing to sign a written informed consent document
• Primary diagnosis of head and neck carcinoma (oral, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal)
• Stage I-IV, undergoing treatment with radiation therapy +/- chemotherapy

Exclusion

• Medical history of esophageal dysfunction
• Pregnant women are not excluded from participation