Exercise 1: The Effortful Swallow To strengthen your throat muscles If you are eating by mouth, do this exercise with each mouthful after you chew your food. Rest and rinse if needed. Repeat 5 to 10 times. Exercise 2: The Masako Technique To strengthen your throat muscles
Full Answer
How do you cope with throat cancer?
Radiation treatment can interfere with a person's ability to swallow, but performing swallowing exercises can help patients prevent weakness that can occur after periods of not swallowing. The new study included nearly 500 patients treated for throat cancer between 2002 and 2008. Of the 58 percent of patients who followed swallowing exercises, 74 percent were able to maintain …
What are the best exercises for cancer survivors?
Your cancer care team will discuss which tests should be done and how often based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the type of treatment you had, and your response to that treatment. When you have completed treatment, you will likely have follow-up visits with your doctor for many years.
What are targeted therapies for throat cancer?
Aug 05, 2019 · Dysphagia can be treated using a variety of methods, including exercises, postures (such as head turns or chin tucks), massage techniques and muscle manipulation. In some cases, a gastroenterologist may need to stretch or dilate a tight area of your throat or esophagus under sedation, to allow food to pass through more easily.
What is a soft diet for throat cancer?
Feb 01, 2007 · "Ideally, cancer survivors should do aerobic exercises and weight training," says Courneya. "Both types of exercise are critical to the overall …
Can you eat while on radiation?
THURSDAY, Sept. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Throat cancer patients appear to benefit from continuing to eat and doing swallowing exercises while undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy, researchers say. Radiation treatment can interfere with a person's ability to swallow, but performing swallowing exercises can help patients prevent weakness ...
Can radiation help swallowing?
Radiation treatment can interfere with a person's ability to swallow, but perform ing swallowing exercises can help patients prevent weakness that can occur after periods of not swallowing . The new study included nearly 500 patients treated for throat cancer between 2002 and 2008.
What is throat cancer?
The term throat cancer refers to the development of cancerous tumors in the pharynx, larynx or tonsils. Treatment for throat cancer generally involves radiation therapy, which can result in inflammation of the throat and mouth and throat soreness or intense burning. These side effects increase the difficulty a throat cancer patient experiences ...
How to make swallowing easier?
This makes the process of swallowing easier and may put less strain on your throat. Drinking liquids through a straw may also make it easier for you to swallow them. Advertisement.
Can you drink lemonade on a soft diet?
Most beverages are permitted on a soft diet, although the National Cancer Institute recommends staying away from hot beverages, alcohol and fruit juices that contain a high acid content, such as tomato juice, lemonade and orange juice, if mouth soreness is a problem.
Does soft diet help with cancer?
Unlike other medical diets, the soft diet meets the recommended dietary allowances, or RDAs, for all of the essential nutrients. Because throat cancer and radiation therapy decrease your appetite and make it physically difficult for you to eat, however, you may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Discuss the possible need for nutrient supplements with your dietitian.
Can throat cancer patients eat soft foods?
Because of this, a soft diet, which consists of foods that are easy to chew or swallow, is often recommended for someone with throat cancer.
How to treat throat cancer?
Your doctor may insert a hollow endoscope into your throat or voice box and then pass special surgical tools or a laser through the scope.
What is targeted therapy for throat cancer?
Targeted drug therapy. Targeted drugs treat throat cancer by taking advantage of specific defects in cancer cells that fuel the cells' growth. As an example, the drug cetuximab (Erbitux) is one targeted therapy approved for treating throat cancer in certain situations.
What is the stage of throat cancer?
Each subtype of throat cancer has its own criteria for each stage. In general, stage I throat cancer indicates a smaller tumor confined to one area of the throat. Later stages indicate more advanced cancer, with stage IV being the most advanced.
How does throat cancer affect your life?
Being diagnosed with cancer can be devastating. Throat cancer affects a part of your body that is vital to everyday activities, such as breathing, eating and talking . In addition to worrying about how these basic activities may be affected, you may also be concerned about your treatments and chances for survival.
What tests are done to detect throat cancer?
The tissue sample may also be tested for HPV, since the presence of this virus impacts the treatment options for certain types of throat cancer. Imaging tests. Imaging tests, including computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), may help your doctor determine the extent ...
What is the next step in a cancer diagnosis?
Staging. Once throat cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer. Knowing the stage helps determine your treatment options. The stage of throat cancer is characterized with the Roman numerals I through IV. Each subtype of throat cancer has its own criteria for each stage.
Can you swallow after throat cancer?
Treatment for throat cancer often causes complications that may require working with specialists to regain the ability to swallow, eat solid foods and talk. During and after throat cancer treatment, your doctor may have you seek help for: The care of a surgical opening in your throat (stoma) if you had a tracheotomy.
What to do if you have laryngeal cancer?
If you have (or have had) laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, you probably want to know if there are things you can do that might lower your risk of the cancer growing or coming back, such as exercising, eating a certain type of diet, or taking nutritional supplements.
What is follow up care after laryngeal cancer?
Follow-up care after laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer. People with cancer of the larynx or hypopharynx are at risk of the cancer coming back and are at risk for developing new cancers in other parts of the body, so they must be watched closely after treatment. Your cancer care team will discuss which tests should be done ...
What is it called when cancer comes back after treatment?
Cancer that comes back after treatment is called a recurrence. But some cancer survivors may develop a new, unrelated cancer later. This is called a second cancer.
What to look for in a follow up appointment for cancer?
During these visits, your doctor will ask if you are having any problems and might order lab tests or imaging tests to look for signs of cancer returning, a new cancer, or treatment related side effects. Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects.
How often is your neck examined?
Laryngoscopy: Your head and neck will be examined (often including laryngoscopy) about: Every 1 to 3 months during the first year. Every 2 to 6 months during the second year. Every 4 to 8 months during the 3rd to 5 th years.
What is a screening test for cancer?
A schedule for other tests you might need in the future, such as early detection (screening) tests for other types of cancer, or tests to look for long-term health effects from the cancer or its treatment. A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when you should contact your doctor.
Does cancer come back?
If cancer does recur ( come back), treatment will depend on the location of the cancer, what treatments you’ve had before, and your overall health. To learn more about this, see Treatment of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers, by Stage. For more general information on dealing with cancer recurrence, see Understanding Recurrence.
What is swallowing examination?
So, it’s important to undergo a sw allowing examination that evaluates your ability to protect the airway. Swallowing difficulties in the mouth and throat are called "oropharyngeal dysphagia" and are evaluated and managed by speech-language pathologists in the Head & Neck Center. Swallowing difficulties in the esophagus are called "esophageal ...
Can you still seek help for dysphagia?
Once you’re actually having problems swallowing, you can still seek help. However, in general, the earlier therapy starts, the better the outcome. Some aspects of the dysphagia may be irreversible.
Is swallowing the enemy of cancer?
The enemy of swallowing is NOT swallowing, so strive to preserve as much function as possible. Our philosophy is "use it or lose it.". Keep those muscles moving, whether the goal is to maintain normal function going into your cancer treatment or to restore function that has been lost during the process.
Can radiation cause dysphagia?
Radiation can also cause narrowing of the swallowing passage — a problem known as "stricture.". Chemotherapy doesn’t generally cause lasting dysphagia, but it can make the effects of radiation worse. And though chemotherapy can also affect a patient’s appetite and desire to eat, those side effects are often temporary.
Can radiation cause swallowing problems?
The side effects of radiation are usually permanent. Surgery can cause swallowing problems by removing structures in the head, neck or esophagus that normally allow food and liquids to pass through the system .
Exercise for Cancer Patients: Longer Life, Less Recurrence
There's abundant evidence that exercise and eating right can help prevent people from getting cancer. The latest information shows that exercise for cancer patients can also keep cancer from recurring.
Exercise for Cancer Patients: What's In It For Me?
The benefits of exercise for the general population are well-publicized. But what if you're a cancer patient?
Exercise for Cancer Patients: When to Start
When should you start exercising after cancer diagnosis and treatment? "As soon as possible," emphasizes Courneya.
Exercise for Cancer Patients: What to Do
Every person's situation is different. Before starting a moderate to vigorous exercise program, see your doctor.
Exercise for Cancer Patients: How Much and How Hard?
For the general population, the American Cancer Society recommends "at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 5 days a week."
What is the best way to communicate after a laryngectomy?
A speech-language pathologist who specializes in post-laryngectomy voice rehabilitation will work with you to adapt or learn one or more of the following ways to communicate: Advertising Policy .
What are the different types of cancer?
Cancer can develop in any of the three distinct parts of the larynx: 1 Supraglottis: The upper part above the vocal cords. 2 Glottis: The vocal cords. 3 Subglottis: The part below the vocal cords, right above the trachea.
What is the name of the hole in the neck that is removed during a laryngectomy?
During a total laryngectomy, the surgeon will also create a permanent hole in your neck – a stoma – that will become your new airway.
How to turn vibrations into words?
You hold up the device against your neck, and it turns vibrations into sounds. You can use your tongue and mouth to turn the sounds into words. Esophageal speech: This method of speech is used less often than others. To do it, you learn to move air down into your esophagus and release it in a controlled way to create sound.
What is the larynx?
Understanding larynx cancer. The larynx, or voice box, is an organ in your throat that connects your lungs to your nose and mouth. It plays a function in your speaking, swallowing and breathing. Cancer can develop in any of the three distinct parts of the larynx: Supraglottis: The upper part above the vocal cords. Glottis: The vocal cords.
Can you get your voice back after a laryngectomy?
The surgeon may also perform a primary voice puncture, which sets the stage for regaining your voice after surgery. (This can also be done after your laryngectomy). He or she creates a pathway between your windpipe and esophagus and places a small, one-way valve (voice prosthesis) in it.
Can you speak without a vocal cord after a laryngectomy?
But if a partial or total removal of your voice box (larynx) is necessary , the recovery process will include learning to speak without your vocal cords. Fortunately, there are effective ways to restore speech after a laryngectomy, and a speech-language pathologist will be there to support you along the way.
How does chemo help with throat cancer?
Side effects of chemotherapy in throat cancer patients. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing all cells that are dividing rapidly. This is exactly why chemotherapy drugs are effective against cancer cells. But due to the same nature of these drugs, they also end up destroying healthy cells such as cells present in the bone marrow ...
What are the risks of throat cancer surgery?
Like every other type of surgery, throat cancer surgery also carries extensive risks such as the possibility of blood clots, infections, complications arising out of anaesthesia, and even pneumonia. Patients who undergo a partial or complete pharyngectomy usually lose ...
Can a tracheostomy cause a narrowing of the throat?
Some of the less aggressive surgeries (such as a neck dissection) can also affect the ability of normal speech in patients. Surgeries near the throat can lead to a gradual narrowing of the throat or voice box.
Can radiation therapy cause weight loss?
This can also lead to weight loss.
Can radiation damage thyroid?
Throat cancer patients are advised to pay special attention to their dental hygiene, as there is a possibility of tooth decay in patients who have been exposed to radiation. Radiation can also damage the patient’s thyroid gland. Thyroid levels should be monitored long after treatment, and appropriate hormonal supplements should be administered ...
Does radiation help dry mouth?
Swallowing exercises and supplements can provide some relief in such cases. Radiation aimed at the neck can also damage the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth syndrome (this generally does not get better with time) which can be prevented to some extent, by applying intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Can you lose weight after radiation?
The sores and ulcers heal with time after the radiation cycles are completed, but some patients complain of swallowing problems even months or years after their treatment is complete. Swallowing exercises and supplements can provide some relief in such cases.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Your treatment options are based on many factors, such as the location and stage of your throat cancer, the type of cells involved, whether the cells show signs of HPVinfection, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Discuss the benefits and risks of each of your options with your doctor. Together you can determine what treatments will be most appropriate for you.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Quit smoking
Throat cancers are closely linked to smoking. Not everyone with throat cancer smokes. But if you do smoke, now is the time to stop because: 1. Smoking makes treatment less effective 2. Smoking makes it harder for your body to heal after surgery 3. Smoking increases your risk of ge… - Quit drinking alcohol
Alcohol, particularly when combined with smoking or chewing tobacco, greatly increases the risk of throat cancer. If you drink alcohol, stop now. This may help reduce your risk of a second cancer. Stopping drinking may also help you better tolerate your throat cancer treatments.
Alternative Medicine
- No alternative treatments have proved helpful in treating throat cancer. However, some complementary and alternative treatments may help you cope with your diagnosis and with the side effects of throat cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor about your options. Alternative treatments you may find helpful include: 1. Acupuncture 2. Massage therapy 3. Meditation 4. Rel…
Coping and Support
- Being diagnosed with cancer can be devastating. Throat cancer affects a part of your body that is vital to everyday activities, such as breathing, eating and talking. In addition to worrying about how these basic activities may be affected, you may also be concerned about your treatments and chances for survival. Though you may feel like your life — your survival — is out of your hands, yo…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Make an appointment with your family doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If your doctor suspects you may have cancer or another disease that affects your throat, you may be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of information to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared. Here's som…