Swallowing Difficulty

It is possible for radiation to cause irritation and scarring of the esophagus, resulting in swallowing problems. Because you have had radiation treatments, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.

Tests that might be used to discover the cause of your swallowing problem include laryngoscopy (viewing of the larynx through your nose or mouth with a camera on a flexible, narrow rod) or a video swallowing study (this study uses an x-ray technique called fluoroscopy to videotape your swallowing while you consume samples of foods or drink containing a material that can show up on x-ray).