Radiation-Induced Rhinitis: Cytological and Olfactory Changes:

BackgroundOral mucositis is a well-known adverse event of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). Its nasal counterpart, the radiation-induced rhinitis, is poorly studied and considered in clinical practice.ObjectiveThe aim of this observational study was to evaluate acute cytological and olfactory alterations during RT and their correlation with RT doses.MethodsTen patients who underwent RT for HNC, excluding tumors of the nasal cavities, were evaluated with nasal scraping for cytological examination, Sniffin’ Sticks test for olfactory assessment, and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale. The examinations were performed before (T0), at mid-course (T1), and at the end (T2) of RT. They were repeated 1 and 3 months after RT (T3 and T4). Mean dose (Dmean) and near maximum dose (D2%) to nasal cavities and inferior turbinates were used for correlation analyses.ResultsRadiation-induced rhinitis was present in 70% of patients at T2, and it was still observed in 40% of cases after 3 months. Althou...