ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, specifically the larynx, have a major impact on speech and swallowing, not only through the destructive process of the disease itself, but also through the effects of curative treatment, be it surgery, radiotherapy, or combined regimens that may or may not include chemotherapy. Functional rehabilitation of these patients has long been one of the major challenges facing head and neck surgeons, speech pathologists, and patients, but it is only in the last three decades that the emphasis on restoration of function and quality of life has become a major focus of treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. Despite significant advances in cancer therapy long-term cure rates for head and neck cancer have not changed significantly over the last 50 years. Therefore, optimal immediate rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer is of paramount importance and a major consideration in developing the initial treatment plan.
