Booklet: What You Need to Know about Laryngeal Cancer

Effects of Treatment on Eating

Loss of appetite can be a problem for patients treated for laryngeal cancer. People may not feel hungry when they are uncomfortable or tired.

Patients who have had a laryngectomy may lose their interest in food because the operation changes the way things smell and taste. Radiation therapy also tends to affect the sense of taste. The side effects of chemotherapy can also make it hard to eat. Yet good nutrition is important. Eating well means getting enough calories and protein to prevent weight loss, regain strength, and rebuild normal tissues.

After surgery, learning to swallow again may take some practice with the help of a nurse or speech pathologist. Some patients find liquids easier to swallow; others do better with solid foods. If eating is difficult because the mouth is dry from radiation therapy, patients may want to try soft, bland foods moistened with sauces or gravies. Others enjoy thick soups, puddings, and high-protein milkshakes. The nurse and the dietitian will help the patient choose the right kinds of food. Also, many patients find that eating several small meals and snacks during the day works better than trying to have three large meals. The National Cancer Institute booklets Radiation Therapy and You, Chemotherapy and You, and Eating Hints for Cancer Patients suggest a variety of other ways to deal with eating problems.

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