Swallowing and speech therapy after definitive treatment for laryngeal cancer

Treatment for laryngeal cancer can lead to changes in voice and swallowing. Patients and clinicians accept some changes as a consequence of life-saving cancer treatment. Thorough voice and swallowing assessment and therapy can improve function or compensate for limitations. This article addresses the treatment options for laryngeal cancer. It describes the expected voice and swallowing deficits and treatment objectives for minimally invasive treatment, conservation surgery, total laryngectomy with primary tracheoesophageal puncture, primary radiation therapy, and organ-preservation protocols. Although similarly treated patients present common deficits, individual performance can vary greatly.