How Do Cancer Treatments Affect Speech and Swallowing?
Cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can significantly impact a patient's ability to speak and swallow. For instance, surgeries for head and neck cancers may involve the removal of parts of the tongue, throat, or larynx, which can severely affect speech and swallowing functions. Radiation therapy can cause fibrosis and inflammation in the tissues, leading to difficulties in these areas. Chemotherapy can result in side effects such as mucositis and neuropathy, which also impact speech and swallowing.
