Head and Neck Cancer

The term “head and neck cancer” is a broad term, and includes many different cancer diagnoses and locations, including: nasopharyngeal cancer, tongue cancer, base of tongue cancer, palatal cancer, tonsillar cancer, mandibular cancer (or the jaw), epiglottis cancer, laryngeal cancer, vocal cord cancer, or pharyngeal cancer. However, regardless of location, chances are, the surgical, chemotherapy or radiation intervention the patient will need will likely have an effect on the speech and swallowing mechanism. 

Evidence strongly supports the involvement of a head and neck cancer-specialized Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) on the patient’s team. The SLP will work closely with the physicians, including the ENT, oncologist, radiation oncologist, primary care and/or plastic surgeon and collaborate to assure that necessary testing and therapy are completed for impaired swallowing, feeding, or speech function. A videofluoroscopic swallow study, or a specialized moving swallow x-ray will likely be necessary; possibly even before, during, and after treatment to monitor changes. The SLP will collaborate with the local hospital to complete this test and assure that rehabilitation-based intervention is completed to target the specific impairment. 

For patients who have required a feeding tube or a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) tube, the journey back to eating by mouth can be fraught with anxiety and failed attempts. There is a path to eating successfully again, and a head and neck cancer-specialized SLP will be the clinical professional who can get you there. The oversight of this process requires the compassionate, careful and experienced oversight of an SLP. 

Some people suffer from what is known as “Late Radiation-Acquired Dysphagia.” This phenomenon occurs when a patient who has undergone radiation for a head and neck cancer begins to experience swallowing difficulty years later. This is caused by fibrosis of the muscles and other connective tissue, and can emerge 5, 10…even 15 years after initial treatment. To mitigate the effects of Late RAD, the SLP should stay involved with the patient intermittently following their initial treatment. If a patient is currently suffering from the effects of Late RAD, it’s not too late to involve an SLP, who can complete testing, and assist in regaining function. 

The Speech Language Pathologist at Empire Speech and Swallow has almost 15 years of experience in managing highly complex head and neck cancer cases, and has successfully overseen PEG tube to oral feeding transitions in countless patients. If you or someone you know is dealing with any form of head or neck cancer, and requires a highly experienced SLP on the team, contact us right away.