Speech therapy in oncological rehabilitation in Germany. Outline of the issues

Abstract

The trend in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer is increasing. The number of new cases is constantly increasing. Globally, more than 700,000 people suffer from head and neck cancer every year - in Germany alone, about 17,000 people a year. Over the last 20 years, clear guidelines for the rehabilitation of oncological patients have been developed in Germany, and comprehensive speech therapy diagnosis and therapy of swallowing and voice disorders is an important element of the recommended procedures. The German Oncological Society and the Onkozert Institute recognize speech therapy as a mandatory element of inpatient medical care for patients after laryngeal resection (laryngectomy).

In this article, the indicated issues are presented in an overview, and the starting point for the considerations is a brief historical outline of speech therapy as a profession in Germany. The general assumptions of rehabilitation medicine in oncology were also presented and it was explained how speech therapy fits into its goals. The most important aspects of the diagnosis of voice and swallowing disorders in patients staying in oncology wards were discussed, taking into account selected tools and diagnostic sheets.