Don,

Most that have treatment for HNC have swallow issues with or without the tube. The rate which those that do get a peg tube, who will be dependent on it long term is 10%, depending on study, and many other factors are involved. The average time otherwise is 21 weeks to 7 months, dependng on study, and seems those that have it pre-treatment, as opposed to reactively, may be more long term dependent.

Seems this is a more recent concern with newer treatment options, and just in my time, 2009, it was recommended peg tubes be placed. I also remember about that time a big uproar with Medicare/Medicaid about the high incident of unecessary peg tube placements in nursing facilities, and the need to reduce that. I don't know if that crack down had any effect in the medical community all around.

The Peg Wars continue lol.

10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs