Head and Neck Cancer Services
This leaflet has been designed to give you and your family information about what to expect next:
Effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on swallowing
Surgery, radiotherapy and or chemotherapy to the head and neck region can make it difficult for the muscles of the tongue, throat and voice box (larynx) to work properly.
This can result in swallowing difficulties. The medical name for this problem is called dysphagia.
The role of the speech and language therapist
As well as helping people with their speech, voice and communication, the speech and language therapist also sees people with difficulties with swallowing.
Most people who see a speech therapist after chemotherapy or radiotherapy are seeing them due to swallowing problems.
Speech therapists are highly trained in the assessment and treatment of lots of different swallowing problems – the name should probably be ‘speech and swallowing therapist’.
Possible treatment effects on swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Ulcers of the mouth and, or throat
- Soreness and pain
- Swelling
- Altered taste and, or loss of taste
- Wet, ‘gurgly’ voice
- Food and, or drink causing you to cough and splutter (‘going down the wrong way’)
- Chest infection and or shortness of breath
When do the side effects start and how long do they last?
- In some cases, some people experience swallowing problems prior to any treatment. In this case, please ask for a referral to see the speech therapist.
- In the majority of cases, people begin to experience some of the above side effects two to three weeks into their treatment.
- Some of the effects can last several weeks after the treatment has ended. However, some side effects may last longer. In some instances, the side effects may be permanent.
When to see a speech and language therapist
If at any time before, during or after treatment, you are experiencing difficulties with your swallowing. Specifically, if you experience:
- Coughing or choking when eating and, or drinking
- Feeling as though food or drink is going down ‘the wrong way’
- Difficulty getting the swallow ‘going’
- Food getting stuck in the mouth or throat
- Chest infection or breathing changes which may be suggestive of aspiration (food and liquid going the wrong way and entering the lungs)
The role of the speech and language therapist
- To assess your swallowing
- To provide suitable exercises aimed at improving your swallow
- To advise on ways to help you eat and drink more safely
- To advise which consistencies of food and drink are the safest for you
Contact us
If you require further information please contact:
Speech and Language Therapist Team
ENT Outpatients Department, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Tel: 01642 854039 (answer phone available)
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]