Swallowing disorders during and after the treatment of larynx cancer

Abstract

Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that is characterized by difficulty to swallow and to control saliva as well as by feeding difficulties. Dysphagia is a common symptom of laryngeal cancer, or a consequence of surgical treatment as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy of this neoplasma. The patients after laryngectomy are at risk of developing malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia. Removal of anatomical structures and reorganization of remaining tissues has a significant impact on the physiology of swallowing. For most patients, safe swallowing is the main feature of a positive treatment outcome. Swallowing therapy is important before, during and after treatment of larynx cancer. The aim of this paper is to explore a correlation between swallowing disorders and laryngeal cancer treatment, and to understand the anatomical and physiological bases of dysphagia treatment.