Changes in smell acuity induced by radiation exposure of the olfactory mucosa

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Arch. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/archotol.1988.01860200037011· OSTI ID:6999451

Ophir, D; Guterman, A; Gross-Isseroff, R

The effects of ionizing radiation on smell acuity were assessed in 12 patients in whom the olfactory mucosa was exposed to radiation in the course of treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma or pituitary adenoma. Olfactory detection thresholds for two odorants (amyl acetate and eugenol) were determined before the start of radiation therapy, within a week of termination of therapy, and 1, 3, and 6 months later. The results show clearly that smell acuity is profoundly affected by therapeutic irradiation. Thresholds had increased in all 12 patients by the end of treatment and were still high one month later. Varying degrees of recovery were noted in most patients three to six months after cessation of treatment. The fate of the sense of smell deserves more attention when considering the disability caused by irradiation to certain head and neck tumors.

• Research Organization: Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot (Israel)
• OSTI ID: 6999451
• Journal Information: Arch. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg.; (United States), Vol. 114:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ADENOMAS
RADIOTHERAPY
CARCINOMAS
OLFACTORY BULBS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
PHARYNX
PITUITARY GLAND
SIDE EFFECTS
PATIENTS
POST-IRRADIATION EXAMINATION
SENSE ORGANS DISEASES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BRAIN
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
GLANDS
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
THERAPY
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man