Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment
Alberta Provincial Head and Neck Tumour Team. (2013).
Edmonton, AB (Canada): CancerControl Alberta, (Clinical Practice Guideline HN-003, Version 1), 1-17.
This guideline by the Alberta Provincial Head and Neck Tumour Team provides recommendations for the assessment and treatment of adults with nasopharyngeal cancer.
Alberta Health Services (Canada)
<p>The authors adopted the recommendations of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with modifications to fit their context in Alberta. Of particular relevance to the Evidence Maps is the following document:</p>
<ul>
<li> National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2016). <i>Head and Neck Cancers</i>. Retrieved from <a href="http://www.nccn.org" class="ApplyClass">http://www.nccn.org</a></li>
</ul>
Speech-language pathologists should be involved in the palliation of dysphagia. Clinical and instrumental assessment can be used. The patient's wishes, informed choice, and tolerance of aspiration should be considered when managing aspiration.
Baseline speech and swallowing evaluation and/or therapy is recommended for "all patients with suspected or confirmed early stage [nasopharyngeal cancer] NPC" (p. 3). Speech and swallowing should be evaluated and treated using clinical, instrumental, and patient-reported measures.
Individuals with nasopharyngeal cancer "should have a program of preventative swallowing exercises and be encouraged to eat by mouth if aspiration does not compromise their medical condition" (p. 5).
An audiogram is "recommended at diagnosis for all patients with suspected or confirmed early stage [Nasopharyngeal Cancer] NPC" (p. 3) and hearing evaluation and rehabilitation is recommended as clinically indicated for follow-up and surveillance "to manage complications related to treatment, to detect disease recurrence and/or the development of new disease" (pp. 4-5).
After cancer treatment, follow-up speech and swallowing evaluations are suggested as indicated.
