Prevalence of Radiation Fibrosis in the Neck and Its Correlation with Trismus among Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

A bstract Background: Radiation therapy is essential in the treatment and prevention of recurrence of head and neck cancers. However, radiation exposure to the neck can lead to musculoskeletal complications such as joint stiffness, soft tissue tightness, and fibrosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of radiation-induced neck fibrosis and its correlation with trismus. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 head and neck cancer patients selected through purposive sampling from three cancer hospitals. Data were collected using a structured assessment form and standardized outcome tools to evaluate symptoms of radiation fibrosis and trismus. Results: The mean age of participants was 45.59 years. The prevalence of neck radiation fibrosis was found to be 76.56%, with 60.2% experiencing moderate neck disability. The correlation between Neck Lymphedema Scale and maximum interincisal opening (GAG) was very weak (non-significant) and negative ( r = −0.052, P = 0.379), whereas the correlation between Gugging Swallowing Screen and GAG was very weak (nonsignificant), but positive ( r = 0.045, P = 0.445). Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of radiation-induced neck fibrosis with moderate functional disability among patients with head and neck cancer in the Saurashtra region. However, the correlation between neck fibrosis and trismus was not significant, suggesting no association.