Why a Speech-Language
Pathologist is Needed
Tumors and the head and neck surgeries
needed to remove them can cause dysphagia (difficulty
swallowing), altered voice quality, or speech
changes. Functional restoration and successful
rehabilitation of the affected patient is a team
effort that should include a speech-language
pathologist.
Speech therapy is helpful when you have experienced
the following:
- Oral surgery
- Throat surgery
- Laryngectomy (removal of the larynx)
- Radiation Therapy
Role of Speech Language Pathologist
The speech language pathologist plays a vital
role in both the pre and post operative
care of a patient
undergoing treatment for head and/or neck
cancers.
Pre-operative Counseling
The pathologist
provides education regarding possible
changes in speech and
swallowing.
He or she will also discuss the services
available once the patient is medically
cleared for speech/language treatment.
Post treatment Speech/Voice/Swallowing
Assessment
Following
surgery, the pathologist completes
an assessment of the patient and
identifies
exact
changes in speech, voice, and swallowing.
Initiation of Speech and Swallowing
Therapy
Therapies are specific to the
type of surgery performed and
may include:
- Community support
- Compensatory strategies
- Dietary recommendations
- Muscle exercises
- Prosthetic management
- Safe swallowing techniques
- Voice
therapy techniques
For more information
about us please call 373-6175.
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