Evaluation
➤ As part of a comprehensive pretreatment evaluation, all patients should
undergo a baseline assessment of voice and swallowing function, voice (use and
requirements), and counseling regarding potential impact on voice, swallowing,
and quality of life, with treatment options. (Moderate Recommendation; EB-I)
➤ Pre-treatment voice and swallowing assessments should establish the functional
impact of tumor volume and extent, and stage of disease on voice and swallowing
outcomes. (Moderate Recommendation; EB-I)
➤ Instrumental, performance status, and quality of life measures of voice and
swallowing should be used to evaluate pre- and post-treatment function.
(Moderate Recommendation; EB-I)
• Multiple assessment tools are available for voice and swallowing. Routine methods of
assessment include self-recorded and/or expert-rated voice quality measures, voice related
quality of life tools, videostroboscopy, radiographic (videofluoroscopic) or fiberoptic
laryngoscopic evaluation of swallowing, and dietary assessment.
