[Phoniatrics in the rehabilitation for head and neck cancer]

Abstract

The aim of treating head and neck cancer is to eliminate the tumor and save functions as much as possible. Despite all efforts the vital (swallowing) and communicative (phonation, articulation) functions can be injured. The treatment of dysphagia is the most important in the rehabilitation, because it can lead to fatal complications: aspiration pneumonia (for example aspiration of saliva), dehydration, malnutrition. According to the localization of the lesion we distinguish oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia. The aspiration may be pre-, intra- and post-deglutition. The aspiration without coughing is called silent aspiration which is mainly seen in neurogenic dysphagia, but can also happen in head and neck cancer patients. There are different possibilities to compensate the failing functions in the phoniatric rehabilitation. The swallowing therapy includes causal, compensatory and dietary strategies. In addition to the swallowing therapy the treatment of communicative dysfunctions with articulation exercises will also improve the quality of life of the patients.