Surgery of oral cavity cancers is often extensive requiring complex reconstructive procedures which affect functions of speech and swallowing.The aim of the present study was to assess speech and swallowing outcome after various surgeries for oral cavity cancers in an objective manner.This is a retrospective study of 31 patients with oral cavity cancers who underwent surgery in our hospital. Swallowing assessment was performed by video fluoroscopy using barium. Speech was assessed objectively

more »

... r both articulation and intelligibility .The average interval between surgery and evaluation was 8 months. Fifty percent of patients had preoperative chemoradiation (10), radiation (3) or chemotherapy (2). The swallowing was normal in 51% of patients whereas the remaining patients had swallowing problems. Speech assessment scores were >75% in 26% of patients, 74% 0f patients had scores in the range of 51-75%. Preop RT affected both speech and swallowing outcome significantly. Mandibular resection significantly worsened the swallowing (p=0.001) and speech (0.014). The extent of soft tissue resection and type of reconstruction also made significant impact. Functional outcome of speech and swallowing are mainly influenced by subsite involved , extent of bone and soft tissue resection, type of reconstruction and radiotherapy