Head and Neck Cancer Issues

1316L - Organ-Preservation Treatments for Laryngeal Cancer: Common Approaches and Functional Expectations

Friday, November 18, 2022

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CT

Format: 1-Hour Seminar (In-Person)

Audience: Students, International Affiliates, Related Professionals, Early Career Professionals (under 5 years)

Keywords: Head and Neck Cancer, Voice, Swallowing, Larynx, Dysphagia

Presenting Author(s)

Barbara Ebersole

MD Anderson Cancer Center
Carly Barbon

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Author Only (Not Presenting)(s)

Katherine Hutcheson

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

This talk provides a foundational understanding of the physiologic effects of larynx cancer and its treatment, short of total laryngectomy. Surgical, radiation and systemic treatments designed to cure cancer while also preserving elements of laryngeal organ function will be described. The speech-language pathologist (SLP) plays a key role in the treatment of larynx cancers. Fundamental to fulfilling this role is a strong understanding of tumor and treatment-based detriments to voice and swallow physiology across the treatment continuum, and the evidence base and prognostic underpinnings for efficacious rehabilitation. This lecture will introduce these concepts.

Learning Objectives:

Describe laryngeal-organ-sparing treatments and their effects on physiology
Integrate tumor, treatment and physiologic factors to form a functional prognosis
Describe evidence-based approaches to voice and swallow rehabilitation during/after surgical and non-surgical larynx cancer treatment