Azra Hoosen educates us on how a speech therapist supports and empowers head and neck cancer patients with speech, voice, communication and swallowing difficulties. Many patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer may present with speech, communication, voice or swallowing difficulties which hugely impact activities of daily living and quality of life.  A speech therapist is a health professional that is involved in the screening, assessment and ongoing management of individuals with the abovementioned difficulties. Assessment, treatment and beyond The speech therapist will assist with the following areas of assessment: Providing education and counselling regarding anticipated changes in communication and swallowing. Providing counselling prior to surgical procedures….

Dr Chris Joseph, an ear, nose and throat surgeon, outlines what a laryngectomy surgical procedure entails, when it is needed and the effects of it. A total laryngectomy is the complete removal of the larynx. When a portion of the larynx is removed, it’s called a partial laryngectomy. The function of the larynx The larynx functions as a valve to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea and lungs during swallowing. It’s also necessary for normal voice and speech as it houses the voice box.  Its cartilaginous framework or “Adams Apple” can be seen and felt in the neck. When and why…