ABSTRACT

Cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract affecting the oral cavity, upper jaw, pharynx and larynx have a major impact on speech and swallowing, not only the destructive process of the disease itself, but also the effects of curative treatment, be it surgery or radiotherapy. Functional rehabilitation of these patients has long been one of the major challenges facing otolaryngologists, speech therapists and patients, but it is only in the last three decades that the emphasis on restoration of function and quality of life has become as important as cure and survival. Previously, when major reconstruction often involved multiple procedures staged over several months, up to 50% of patients died before satisfactory rehabilitation could be achieved.