Head and Neck Cancer
People may experience communication problems arising from:
• Cancer in the mouth, head or neck.
• The effects of surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Difficulties will depend on the type of treatment and extent of the disease. Recognised characteristics of Head and Neck Cancer that affect communication include:
• Dysarthria
• Dysphonia
• Dysphagia
• Speech/voice difficulties following laryngectomy (surgical removal of the voice box because of laryngeal cancer)
Speech and language therapists are often involved with multidisciplinary teams working with Head and Neck Cancer pre– and post-operatively, and during rehabilitation. Therapy may begin prior to treatment, depending on the nature of the disease and planned treatment. Management strategies will be given, and will be reviewed at different stages of the treatment process.
The following may form part of speech therapy input for people with Head and Neck Cancer:
• Pre-treatment assessment and counselling.
• Swallowing management advice.
• Exercises for lips, tongue, palate, jaw and face.
• Speech and voice programmes.
• Assessment and trials of augmentative and alternative communication aids (AAC).
• Advice to carers.
• In addition, anyone who has had a laryngectomy will require support from a specialist speech therapist working as part of an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) multi-disciplinary team.
To find out how our specialist speech therapy practice can help you contact us today. Services available in Birmingham, Solihull and across the West Midlands.
People may experience communication problems arising from:
• Cancer in the mouth, head or neck.
• The effects of surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Difficulties will depend on the type of treatment and extent of the disease. Recognised characteristics of Head and Neck Cancer that affect communication include:
• Dysarthria
• Dysphonia
• Dysphagia
• Speech/voice difficulties following laryngectomy (surgical removal of the voice box because of laryngeal cancer)
Speech and language therapists are often involved with multidisciplinary teams working with Head and Neck Cancer pre– and post-operatively, and during rehabilitation. Therapy may begin prior to treatment, depending on the nature of the disease and planned treatment. Management strategies will be given, and will be reviewed at different stages of the treatment process.
The following may form part of speech therapy input for people with Head and Neck Cancer:
• Pre-treatment assessment and counselling.
• Swallowing management advice.
• Exercises for lips, tongue, palate, jaw and face.
• Speech and voice programmes.
• Assessment and trials of augmentative and alternative communication aids (AAC).
• Advice to carers.
• In addition, anyone who has had a laryngectomy will require support from a specialist speech therapist working as part of an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) multi-disciplinary team.
To find out how our specialist speech therapy practice can help you contact us today. Services available in Birmingham, Solihull and across the West Midlands.