The diagnosis of Mouth Cancer is a huge challenge, and one question that many patients have is whether they will ever be able to speak normally again. The short answer is yes, you can speak after surgery in many instances; however, there are several things that will affect your ability to do so, such as the location of the tumor, the amount of tissue removed, how much of the damaged area is repaired or reconstructed, and the rehabilitation process that follows surgery. In this article, we will discuss in detail the effect of mouth cancer surgery on speech as backed by the Best cancer hospital in Chandigarh.
The Effect of Surgery on Speech
Talking requires lots of moving parts in the mouth, the tongue, the lips, the jaw, and the vocal cords to work together. When performing surgery to remove cancer, parts of those structures may be removed, or they may be damaged or altered. Some of the patients may experience a short-term or long-term reduction in clarity of speech, difficulty pronouncing words, or less volume of their voice, depending on the extent of the surgical procedure they had performed.
Surgeons today are using improved surgical techniques that will help them to preserve as much function of these structures as possible.
What Happens Right After Surgery?
Almost all patients will experience some difficulty talking clearly immediately following their surgery. Swelling, pain, and the healing of tissues will impair movement in your mouth. Some patients will receive a temporary feeding tube. There may be limited speaking ability for several days after surgery. Communication during this period will likely consist of writing or using gestures. This period of difficulty talking will improve as you continue to heal.
Will Your Speech Heal Completely?
As per the Best cancer doctor in Mohali, there will be differences in recovery by individual, but eventually most people can expect to regain understandable speech. Recovery will depend on:
- The Size and Location of Your Tumor
Patients who have had smaller tumors or tumors located in less critical areas will usually have better end results with regard to their ability to produce speech.
- The Type of Procedure Performed
Patients who undergo reconstructive techniques (using tissue grafts to reconstruct an individual’s oral structures) will generally have a better prognosis with respect to the production of speech.
- Your Level of Rehabilitation and Therapy
The prognosis for speech recovery is greatly enhanced by the availability of professional support
Role of Speech Therapy
A speech therapist will play a vital role in helping patients develop their ability to communicate, according to a Cancer specialist doctor in Mohali. A speech therapist may work with a patient in the following ways:
- Doing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth
- Providing tips and techniques for producing speech sounds
- Therapies to assist with adaptation to the newly configured oral structures.
With practice, many patients see improvements in clarity and self-confidence when they produce speech.
Sohana Hospital Mohali, is the top choice for patients considering the Best cancer hospital in Mohali, thanks to its advanced technology, experienced oncologists, and multi-disciplinary team of specialists. Book your appointment today!