Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

• Within the scope of practice, an SLP will work with a Head and Neck Cancer patient after a total laryngectomy on communication (language),voicing, and swallowing.
• When should you see an SLP?
  • You may see an SLP for evaluation soon after head and neck diagnosis or treatment.
  • You may see an SLP at any time after treatment if there are changes in function, and changes in your swallowing function.
• Common swallowing concerns include:
  • You have had a change in the consistency of the food that you eat.
  • You need to swallow many times to clear food from your mouth and throat.
  • You have a history of aspiration pneumonia.
  • You are dependent on a feeding tube.
  • Unintentional weight loss.
  • Presence of a wet sounding voice after swallowing.
• Treatment for Swallowing Problems
  • Treatment for swallowing disorders include exercises before surgery and chemo-radiation which can lessen loss of swallowing muscles and improve swallowing function (chin tuck).
  • Making dietary changes and increasing liquids.