Other Resources:

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-
cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/if-
you-have-head-or-neck-cancer.html

https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-
and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet

DYSPHAGIA
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY: AFTER HEAD &
HTTPS://WWW.ASHA.ORG/PUBLIC/SPEE
CH/DISORDERS/SWALLOWING-
NECK CANCER
PROBLEMS-AFTER-HEAD-AND-NECK- By: Shelby Kestler
CANCER/

WHAT IS
DYSPHAGIA?
Dysphagia is characterized
by discomfort, pain, or
difficulty while swallowing.
It is a symptom of disease.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
CAUSES SYMPTOMS
Oral Surgery: trouble with control Multiple swallows to clear food
food in the mouth Wet sounding voice
Throat Surgery: can cause coughing Coughing or choking
or choking, also known as aspiration
Laryngectomy: trouble with moving
Pain when swallowing
Dry mouth
food from mouth to stomach
Radiation Therapy: can cause dry
mouth and mouth/throat pain

DYSPHAGIA TREATMENT
FOLLOWING THERAPY
THE ROLE OF THE SPEECH- After treatment, the SLP will assess your
LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST (SLP) swallowing abilities and may
recommend speech therapy to increase
SLPs focus on food consistency, muscle muscle strength, adjust head position or
strengthening exercises, positions during seating, provide strategies to help you
eating and strategies for safe swallowing.  swallow, and/or adjust food consistencies
to aid in easier swallowing.