Head and neck cancer usually starts in the lining of the mouth, throat, or voice box. Less commonly cancer can form from sinuses or salivary glands.
Men over the age of 50, are up to three times more likely to receive a head and neck cancer diagnosis than women. About 900,000 cases are identified worldwide each year and, in the U.S., head and neck cancers account for approximately 3- 4% of all cancer diagnoses.
Speech and swallowing are often impaired following the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer. Intervention by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help improve or maintain quality of life. What can you expect from this treatment?
The Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis (TEP) Clinic is for patients who are anticipating or who have undergone a Total Laryngectomy.
Pre-operative counseling is available to patients undergoing surgical resection for head and neck cancer and requires a referral from the physician.
Speech-language pathologists are available to assess swallowing during the post-operative visit.
To schedule an appointment with the Survivorship Clinic, call 412-683-7253. For clinical questions, call 412-864-1987.