Head and Neck Cancer: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines
Journal of Laryngology & Otology
Paleri, V. (ed)., & Roland, N. (ed). (2016).
Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 130(S2), S1-S224.
These guidelines were developed by a number of professionals in relevant disciplines in the United Kingdom for the management of head and neck cancer. This document updates the 2011 4th edition. This summary highlights recommendations on speech and swallowing, hearing, palliative care, and follow-up within the scope of audiology and speech-language pathology.
Multi-Stakeholder Group
British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons; British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists; British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; British Association of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery; British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons; Royal College of Pathologists (United Kingdom); Royal College of Radiologists, Faculty of Clinical Oncology (United Kingdom)
<p class="MsoNormal">This guideline is included within an umbrella systematic review of guidelines investigating available recommendations for head and neck cancer survivorship care. See the Associated Article(s) section below to access the umbrella systematic review.<br /><br /></p>
<div>Speech-language pathologists should have ongoing input in the treatment of head and neck cancer to maintain voice and swallowing function (R).</div>
<div>Audiological assessment is recommended pre-operatively for lateral skull base cancer (R).</div>
<div>After laryngectomy, patients should receive long-term input from a speech-language pathologist to maximize speech and swallowing function (G).</div>
<div>Preventative swallowing exercises and maneuvers can be beneficial for reducing impairment, maintaining function, and assisting in recovery (R).</div>
<div>All patients receiving palliative care for head and neck cancer "should have a functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) assessment of swallow to assess for risk of aspiration" (G; p. S198).</div>
<div>All head and neck cancer patients should received pre-treatment assessment of speech and swallowing (G).</div>
<div>Quality of life, including nutrition and swallowing measures, should be measured:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>when head and neck cancer is diagnosed;</li>
<li>following cancer treatment; and</li>
<li>at regular intervals (G).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>Patients should receive follow-up after treatment for head and neck cancer from a multidisciplinary team, including (among other professionals) speech-language pathologists (G).</div>
