$Unique_ID{BRK02338}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How Can a Person Learn to Talk After Voice Box Surgery?}
$Subject{respiratory pulmonary system special procedure procedures throat
larynx voice box operation operations surgery speak speaking laryngectomy
laryngectomies windpipe stoma laryngectomy laryngectomies laryngectomize
trachea}
$Volume{H-6,P-6}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Can a Person Learn to Talk After Voice Box Surgery?


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QUESTION:  If a person has a cancer in their voice box, and then have the
surgery to remove the cancer, is it still possible for them to speak?  Can you
explain what techniques are used, and how successful they might be?  What type
of person should we be seeking help from?

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ANSWER:  Most people who have had surgery on their voice box can and do learn
to speak again.  However, it is not easy to relearn to talk, and the patients
who learn most quickly are the ones with loving, supportive family and
friends.
     When a person has a total laryngectomy, the entire larynx at the top of
the windpipe is removed.  There is no longer a connection between the nose,
mouth and lungs.
     An opening is then made in the neck called a "stoma", allowing the
patient to breathe.  The patient must now learn to take air through his mouth
or nose and to lock this air in his esophagus.  He must belch before the air
escapes into his stomach and then make sounds.
     Often the new voice sounds strange to the patient.  Although 9 out of 10
laryngectomy patients are men, this new speech is often most difficult for
female patients.  A woman's voice after the operation will be much lower than
her old voice.  She may choose not to talk because of fear that she will be
viewed as less feminine . . . less of a woman.
     But learning to speak should be a top priority for the laryngectomee.
     A good speech therapist can help make the task much easier.  It can also
be of great help for the patient to meet other laryngectomees who have learned
how to speak through their stoma.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.