Revisiting Swallowing Function Following Contemporary Surgical Interventions for Oral/Oropharyngeal Cancer: Key Underlying Issues

Abstract

There has been resurgence in surgical interventions for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer in tandem with technological advances in reconstructive and ablative procedures. This paper considers the mechanisms of impact of these surgical techniques on swallow function and patient outcomes especially in light of the shifting demographics of human papilloma virus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal cancer. We present a framework for considering physiologic impairment within the context of a holistic approach to patient care based on a series of key underlying considerations.