title: Care of head and neck cancer patients with swallowing difficulties.
abstract: Cancers of the head and neck include oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, nasal fossa, paranasal sinuses, thyroid, salivary glands and vermilion surfaces (Parker et al, 2004). Incidence of these cancers has risen in the past 30 years, particularly in people under the age of 65 years. Risk factors include cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol abuse. At time of diagnosis patients often present with swallowing difficulties due to tumour location and size. Further oncological treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy can exacerbate these difficulties and cause major nutritional problems. Dietary management in relation to texture modification and nutritional content of meals needs to be addressed as well as feeding strategies recommended by the speech and language therapist. Good communication between all members of the multidisciplinary team is paramount in ensuring that patients have the necessary support, education and quality of life they need.
authors.affiliation: Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, University Hospital of Wales.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.forename: Sian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004046:Dietetics / Q000458:organization & administration; D005521:Food Service, Hospital; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008612:Menu Planning; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration