Long-lasting speech and oral-motor deficiencies following oral cancer surgery: a retrospective study

Thirty-seven oral cancer patients were studied an average of 4 years after primary surgical treatment of the tumor. The patients' speech-motor and phonatory functions and speech intelligibility were assessed. Most of the patients (73%) still suffered from speech disorders. Restricted tongue mobility resulted in articulatory deviations regardless of the primary tumour site. Lowered intelligibility of spontaneous speech was observed in 16% of the patients. In addition, some patients suffered from phonatory problems and deterioration of resonance after extensive resections. To ensure a satisfactory quality of life for oral cancer patients, the need for speech therapy should be adequately evaluated.