Cancer of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract: Assessment and Management in People Aged 16 and Over
National Collaborating Centre for Cancer. (2016).
London (United Kingdom): National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (NICE Guideline 36), 1-330.
This guideline provides recommendations for healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals with cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract (oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses). Many of the recommendations address medical management of the disease; however some sections are applicable to speech-language pathologists.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (United Kingdom)
This guideline was reviewed with the following:<ul> <li>National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2017). <em>Head and Neck Cancer</em> (Quality Standard 146). Retrieved from www.nice.org.uk</li> <li>National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2017). <em>Surveillance Report (Exceptional Review) 2017 – Cancer of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract: Assessment and Management in People Aged 16 and Over (2016) NICE Guideline NG36</em>. Retrieved from www.nice.org.uk</li> <li>National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018).<em> Evidence Review - June 2018</em>. Retrieved from www.nice.org.uk</li> <li>National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2020). <em>2020 Exceptional Surveillance of Cancer of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract: Assessment and Management in People Aged 16 and Over (NICE Guideline NG36)</em>. Retrieved from www.nice.org.uk</li></ul>
<div>Individuals who have upper aerodigestive tract cancer should be considered for voice therapy if their voice has changed from cancer treatment (Low Quality Evidence).</div>
<div>At diagnosis of upper aerodigestive tract cancer, the multidisciplinary team, which may include a speech-language pathologist, should assess need for enteral nutrition, including possible prophylactic tube placement. Pre-existing dysphagia and nutritional status (e.g., ability to meet estimated nutritional needs) should be taken into consideration (Moderate Quality Evidence).</div>
<div>Individuals who have upper aerodigestive tract cancer and are receiving radiotherapy should be considered for swallowing exercise programs, and mouth-opening exercises if they are at risk for reduced mouth opening (Low Quality Evidence).</div>
