Sleep apnea screening after completion of radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background After radiotherapy of a tumour of the upper aerodigestive tract (HNSCC), many patients suffer from increased fatigue and sleepiness. Unrecognised sleep apnoea can be considered as a possible cause. Radiotherapy is known to lead to fibrotic tissue changes and post-radiogenic oedema. Radiotherapy in the head and neck area results in an anatomical and functional change in the airway with possible obstruction or narrowing of breathing-relevant structures. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) after curative radiotherapy of a tumour of the upper aerogigestive tract.