Speech-Language Pathology

Our Specialties Include the Following:

Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia can have a negative effect on your health, including:

• Malnutrition/weight loss
• Dehydration
• Choking
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Chronic lung disease
• Poor general health

City of Hope's speech-language pathologists are uniquely trained to diagnose and manage swallowing disorders within the oncology population using the following assessment tools:

• Clinical swallow evaluation
• Modified barium swallow studies
• Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing

What happens if I have trouble swallowing?

Speech-language pathologists are part of your care team. They have specialized training to manage swallowing disorders. Your speech-language pathologist may recommend changes to your diet or teach you strategies to make it safer and easier to swallow. Download and print out the speech-language pathology recommendations handout before you meet with an speech-language pathologist to document his or her recommendations for you.

Download and print out the speech-language pathologist recommendations handout

How to thicken liquids that your speech-language pathologist recommends you take

Your speech-language pathologist may recommend that you thicken your liquids if you are unable to swallow regular (thin) drinks safely. Download the Mildly Think (Nectar Think) Liquids handout for tips on thickening products.

Download the Mildly Thick (Nectar Thick) Liquids handout

Communication

Your ability to communicate with others involves many systems that can be broken down into the three general categories below. City of Hope's speech-language pathologists provides comprehensive evaluation of each area and individualized therapy based on your goals and needs.

• Speech: The clarity, rate and/or consistency of how the words are spoken
• Language: Ability to understanding/express the meaning of written or spoken language
• Cognitive-Linguistics: Attention, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, insight/awareness and social communication 

Voice and Upper Airway Disorders

Voice disorders refer to any changes in the quality, pitch or loudness of your voice that impact your ability to communicate effectively. Certain surgeries can also cause permanent or temporary changes to your voice. The speech-language pathology team at City of Hope performs comprehensive assessment and management of voice disorders, providing the following services:

• Videostroboscopy: Instrumental test to determine the severity/cause of any voice changes and if voice therapy is needed
• Speaking valve: Restores voice/upper airway sensation for patients with tracheostomy
• Tracheoesophageal prosthesis: Voicing option for patients with laryngectomy

These videos are for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, or in-person care. Do not use these videos in the event of an emergency or to obtain emergency services; if you experience a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical advice from a qualified health care professional because of information contained on the video. Nothing contained in this video is intended to be the practice of medicine or the provision of medical care. If you have questions regarding your medical condition, contact your health care provider.

Thank you to the Helga and Bryan Isaacs’ Speech and Swallow Initiative for making these videos possible. People facing challenges from head and neck cancer will have ongoing access to valuable resources to help guide them along their cancer journey. We are grateful for this partnership and commitment to improve quality of life and function for all those impacted by this disease.