[Pronunciation and swallowing in patients with tongue deficits following resection of oral cavity tumor].

PURPOSE

Anatomical changes due to resection of oral cavity neoplasm result in respiratory, swallowing, pronunciation and mastication disorders of varying extent and intensity. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of pronunciation and efficiency of deglutition in patients operated due to oral cavity neoplasm.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

112 patients (76 males, 36 females, mean age 53 years) after oral tumor excision were examined. Pronunciation quality was evaluated audio-visually using phonemes of contemporary Polish language (according to Roclawski) which were pronounced alone, in syllables and words. Compensatory function was studied as well. Efficiency of deglutition was examined with videofluoroscopy (according to W. J. Dodds). Oral and pharyngeal activities were analyzed and quantified using a 100 - point scale.

RESULTS

Speech and swallowing disorders of varying intensity were observed in every patient. The frequency and quality of abnormal phonation and the presence of characteristic compensatory mechanisms depended on the extent of post-operative deficits and functional efficiency of adjacent structures. There was a statistically significant correlation between the quality of pronunciation and efficiency of deglutition.