Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Patients With Tumors in the Head and Neck Region

Abstract

Sleep-related breathing disorder was common in patients with tumors in the head and neck region referred for evaluation of sleep disruption, and most met clinical criteria for OSA. Daytime fatigue and sleepiness were the most common complaints. OSA was prevalent in male patients, and most with OSA were not obese. Architectural distortion from the malignancy and/or treatment may predispose these patients to OSA by altering anatomic and neural factors. A heightened clinical suspicion for sleep-related breathing disorder and referral to a sleep specialist would be beneficial for patients with these complaints.