Head and Neck Cancer, Laryngectomy & Tracheostomy
Read the first two sections here. The other 7 sections and 10 key terms open with a free account.
Head and Neck Cancer & TracheostomyFree preview
Print this summary with a free account
Overview
Head and neck cancer (HNC) changes the anatomy of speech and swallowing, and its treatment changes it again, sometimes years later. This outline covers cancer treatment, total laryngectomy and the three ways to speak afterward, tracheostomy and speaking valves, and swallowing after surgery and radiation. Voice Disorders & Treatment has a short summary; Dysphagia Assessment and Dysphagia Management teach the exams and general strategies applied here.
Head and Neck Cancer Basics
| Feature | What to know |
|---|---|
| Tumor type | Most arise from the squamous cells lining the mouth, pharynx and larynx |
| Risk factors | Tobacco and alcohol, whose risks compound when combined; human papillomavirus (HPV) drives a rising share of oropharyngeal cancers, roughly two thirds of them in the United States |
| Prognosis | HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer carries a better prognosis than HPV-negative disease |
| Sites | Oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx (tongue base, tonsils, soft palate), hypopharynx, larynx |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, alone or combined (chemoradiation) |
The SLP's work starts before treatment: baseline speech, voice and swallow measures, a patient-reported measure such as the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), counseling about expected changes, and a swallowing plan for the months of radiation. Cisplatin is ototoxic, so audiology monitoring belongs in the plan.
| Treatment | Usual effects on speech and swallowing |
|---|---|
| Oral resection (glossectomy, mandibulectomy, maxillectomy) | Reduced tongue range and bolus control, articulation errors; a maxillary defect may need a palatal obturator from a maxillofacial prosthodontist |
| Partial laryngectomy | Altered but laryngeal voice; a supraglottic resection removes part of the airway protection, so early aspiration risk is high |
| Total laryngectomy | No laryngeal voice; the airway and the food path are separated |
| Radiation or chemoradiation | During: mucositis, xerostomia, taste change, edema. After: fibrosis, lymphedema, trismus and late dysphagia |
The rest of this outline 7
- Total Laryngectomy: What Changes
- Three Ways to Speak After Laryngectomy
- Tracheostomy and Speaking Valves
- Swallowing After Head and Neck Cancer
- Counseling and the Team
- Common Traps
- Sources to Know
Free account
Create a free account to keep reading
The other 7 sections and 10 key terms with definitions open with a free beta account. Build your plan manually or use the optional 12-question diagnostic.
Related outlines
Disclaimer: Praxis is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS). SLP Study Hub is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS or ASHA. This outline is original educational content written for SLP Study Hub and aligned to the publicly available Praxis 5331 test blueprint.