Swallowing Function During Sleep in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Polysomnographic Comparison with Matched Controls

Swallowing function during sleep may be impaired in patients with HNC. Because the pharyngolaryngeal muscles are common to both swallowing and airway patency, dysfunction in this region may contribute to OSA-related breathing disturbances. Early identification and management of OSA, combined with targeted swallowing rehabilitation, may help reduce the risk of aspiration, improve airway safety, and potentially lower the risk of life-threatening complications, including sudden death.