Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Tumor Board: A Collaborative Role for the Speech-Language Pathologist

Abstract

Head and neck cancer represents a heterogeneous disease that affects the multiple structures and function of the aerodigestive tract. Because of the complexity of head and neck cancer, a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals are needed to eliminate or control the tumor while maximizing functional outcomes afterward. If not already experiencing swallowing and/or communication issues, patients who are diagnosed with head and neck cancer typically will encounter difficulties in these areas related to the treatment mode(s) used to shrink or eradicate the tumor. A speech-language pathologist can play an integral role in the multidisciplinary team to ensure that appropriate patients are referred to our service.