Pre-treatment Exercises Versus Post-treatment Exercises for Dysphagia

Determining the Efficacy of Pre-treatment Swallowing Therapy as a Means to Improve Dysphagia Quality of Life When Compared to Post-Treatment Therapy.

The purpose of this project is to determine if pre-treatment swallowing exercises can improve post-treatment swallowing function in patients undergoing radiation with or without chemotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stage III or IV squamous cell cancer of teh pharynx and larynx
• Patients who will be receiving chemoradiation
• Age 19 years of age or older
• Must sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior cancer diagnosis
• Metastatic disease
• Cognitive Impairment