ESSI-SURGFeasibility of Early Swallowing and Speech Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated SURGically

Oral cavity cancer is a widespread health issue, with tongue cancer being a particularly common form. People diagnosed with oral cancers often struggle with painful and difficult swallowing, known as dysphagia, which can lead to significant weight loss and other health complications like pneumonia and malnutrition. These swallowing difficulties also greatly affect the quality of life for survivors. Studies suggest that working with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) before issues arise, especially for those undergoing surgery, can be beneficial. Learning strategies to manage swallowing may help reduce complications and the need for feeding tubes, thus improving overall recovery. This study explores the feasibility of starting a clinical trial to evaluate the impact of early speech and swallowing interventions provided by SLPs for patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer. Participants will receive guidance from an SLP on how to manage swallowing issues before their surgery. The study will track patients' health and functional outcomes by comparing their condition before treatment and one month afterward. The goal is to understand if early intervention can lead to better health outcomes and improve the overall recovery experience for these patients.