Speech Therapy Treatments For Head And Neck Cancer

Some types of cancer seem to get more attention than others.

For instance, you’d be hard pressed these days to find someone who doesn’t know that October is breast cancer awareness month or that November has been rebranded by some groups as “Movember”, during which people grow mustaches to raise money for prostate cancer.

And we’ve all heard the warnings to wear sunscreen to avoid skin cancer, and not to take up smoking, lest one develop lung cancer.

Some types of cancer, however, don’t get as much attention as they should.

As a provider of speech therapy for adults who have experienced head and neck cancer, today we want to shed some light on this lesser known group of cancers and how a speech therapist can play a role in the recovery process.

Please keep reading to learn more.

What Is Head And Neck Cancer?

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a general term used to describe malignant tumors which originate in the following areas:

• Salivary glands, which can cause drooling in adults
• Larynx (voice box)
• Pharynx(throat)
• Oral cavity
• Nasal cavity
• Paranasal sinuses

RELATED ARTICLE: Speech Therapy For People With A Brain Tumor

Although the brain, eyes, thyroid, and esophagus are part of the head and neck, cancers in these areas are not counted in the group known as head and neck cancers.

Even though it may be less known than other cancers, head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer globally.

These types of cancers affect assigned male at birth people nearly twice as much as assigned female at birth people.

But, the good news is that the National Cancer Institute gives a 69% survival rate from initial diagnosis to five years or longer.

That’s why it’s important to monitor any symptoms you might be feeling and get evaluated by a speech therapist if you think something might be affecting your ability to communicate.

Speech Related Symptoms Of Head And Neck Cancer

There are a number of symptoms of head and neck cancer.

You might experience a foul mouth odor not explained by dental hygiene, or frequent nosebleeds.

You could also experience non healing head or neck ulcers, a chronic cough or sore throat, and frequent nosebleeds.

The list goes on and on because of how complex your head and neck area is.

Now, focussing on the ones which affect speech and vocalisation, some symptoms which affect the voice include:

• Changes in vocal loudness, quality, and pitch, also known as dysphonia, due to tumors of the larynx
• Loss of voice post surgery
• Resonance disorders, including hypernasality, hyponasality, and cul de sac resonance

Symptoms which affect speech can include:

• Distorting lingual phonemes
• Errors of articulation (for instance omitting or substituting words)
• Imprecise speech

What Causes Head And Neck Cancer?

Some factors which have been identified as causes of head and neck cancers include:

• Tobacco use, including those which are smokeless
• Certain viruses, including Epstein Barr and HPV
• Excessive alcohol use

Additionally, there are a variety of factors which have been shown to increase the risk of developing head and neck cancers.

These include:

• Poor oral and dental hygiene
• Nutritional deficiencies that can also cause de-myelination
• Excessive exposure to the sun
• Exposure to occupational inhalants, including asbestos and wood dust
• Chewing on betel nuts – a nut which grows in some parts of Asia and has stimulant effects similar to those of tobacco or caffeine
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) which is an aerodigestive disorder of the upper digestive track
• Poor immune system due to underlying conditions or certain medications
• Use of recreational drugs, including cannabis
• Radiation exposure
• Genetic factors and family history

How Can Speech Therapy For Head And Neck Cancer Help With Recovery?

If you’re experiencing speech issues due to head and neck cancer, a speech therapist can help you through all phases, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.

The role of your speech therapist will depend on the part of the process they are brought into.

For example, they could perform an assessment of your speech, language, feeding, and swallowing ability.

A problem with any of these could indicate a head and neck cancer.

The most ideal time to bring in a speech therapist is with the initial diagnosis.

This is so that they can educate you on the potential effects that treatment of your cancer can cause to your speaking, eating, and swallowing abilities.

This will also improve the chances of you building a strong relationship with your speech therapist, which makes it more likely that you will stick to your treatment plan and reach your goals.

During treatment, and after diagnosis, your speech therapist can help with preparing treatment plans tailored to your needs.

This is during the healing phase.

At this point, they can also provide counselling if you have special needs related to your head and neck cancer, and speak to your family too.

Treatment methods for issues related to head and neck cancers should take into account factors such as your social context, age and education, and cultural and linguistic background.

Speech therapists will also work together with other medical professionals (ex: occupational therapists and physical therapists) while making decisions which affect treatment and recovery goals.

Some treatment options which may be used can include but aren’t strictly limited to:

• Alaryngeal speech: Alaryngeal speech is a method which focuses on helping individuals produce speech from an area other than the larynx, including the esophagus, or a tracheoesophageal prosthesis
• Exercise training: Using exercises to improve the range of motion and strength of muscles needed for speech
• Alternative and Augmentative Communication: devices such as signs, picture boards, signs, and finger spelling
• Voice therapy
• Treatments to help manage swallowing disorders which may accompany head and neck cancers
• Audiologic management for those whose cancer has affected their ears, resulting in hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues
• Counselling, not just to the individual but also to family, caregivers, and other significant people in the patient’s life
• Support group speech therapy

Book Your Appointment With District Speech And Language Therapy Today

A cancer diagnosis can be a scary thing.

On top of everything else, you may be worried about how it may affect your ability to communicate with others.

But you don’t have to go through it alone.

Our experienced team is here to help.

Here at District Speech and Language Therapy, our speech therapists in Washington DC can help you navigate this challenging time.

We help adults with speech and language disorders just as often we do with children.

We also offer services both in person at our clinic and online via teletherapy sessions.

Book your appointment with District Speech and Language Therapy today, to get started.