Some people treated for head and neck cancer need a tracheostomy. This is an alternative airway created in the front of the neck so they can keep breathing freely.
Learn more about:
- Having a tracheostomy
- Having a laryngectomy
- Living with a tracheostomy or stoma
- Restoring speech after a laryngectomy
Having a tracheostomy
If you have a tracheostomy, a small cut in the lower neck allows a tube to be inserted into the windpipe. This can be used for breathing during and after surgery when the mouth or throat becomes swollen. It is usually removed within one week of surgery once the swelling has gone down. In some cases, a tracheostomy is needed for longer or even during radiation therapy, but this is uncommon.
The thought of a tracheostomy may be confronting and scary – talk to your treatment team about how you are feeling and ask them to explain why the tracheostomy is needed. A tracheostomy will allow you to breathe despite swelling in your mouth or throat, and it will also make it easier for you to cough up mucus after a long operation. Initially you may not be able to speak, but you will be supported by your treatment team while you have a tracheostomy in place. The speech pathologist and physiotherapist will play an important role in your care.
Once the tracheostomy tube is removed, the hole in your neck normally closes within days. During this time, your voice may be weak and breathy, returning to normal when the hole closes.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created hole (stoma) in your windpipe (trachea) that provides another airway for breathing. A tracheostomy tube is inserted through the hole, and it may be temporary or permanent.
Having a laryngectomy
If you have a total laryngectomy, a permanent stoma or breathing hole will be created in your lower neck at the time of the surgery. This will be discussed with you before surgery so you know exactly what to expect, including how you will speak again. If you need a permanent stoma, the speech pathologist and nurses will teach you how to look after it.
Laryngectomy stoma
A laryngectomy stoma is a permanent opening in your neck that allows you to breathe. It does not require a tube to keep it open, but some people have a laryngectomy tube to stop the hole getting smaller.
Living with a tracheostomy or stoma
Having a tracheostomy or stoma is a big change and takes some getting used to. Your specialist, nurse or speech pathologist can explain ways to manage the following concerns:
- caring for the tube or stoma – you will be shown how to clean and care for the tracheostomy tube or stoma
- coping with dry air – the air you breathe will be much drier since it no longer passes through your nose and mouth, which normally moistens and warms the air. This can cause irritation, coughing and extra mucus coming out of the tracheostomy tube or stoma. There are products available that cover the stoma or attach to the tracheostomy tube to provide heat and moisture for the windpipe
- swimming and bathing – you will need to use a special stoma cover to avoid water getting into the windpipe, even in the shower. If you have a laryngectomy stoma, you may not be able to go swimming.
Restoring speech after a laryngectomy
If the larynx (voice box) is removed, there are various ways to speak.
Voice prosthesis speech – The surgeon makes an opening between your trachea and oesophagus. This is called a tracheoesophageal fistula or puncture. A small voice prosthesis (or valve) is inserted to direct air from your trachea to the oesophagus. This will allow you to speak clearly in a low-pitched, throaty voice.
Mechanical speech – A battery-powered device (electrolarynx) is used to create a mechanical voice. The device is held against the neck or cheek or placed inside the mouth. You press a button on the device to make a vibrating sound.
Oesophageal speech – You swallow air and force it up through your oesophagus to produce a low-pitched sound. This method can be difficult and you will need training.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Richard Gallagher, Head and Neck Surgeon, Director of Cancer Services and Head and Neck Cancer Services, St Vincent’s Health Network, NSW; Dr Sophie Beaumont, Head of Dental Oncology, Dental Practitioner, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Bena Brown, Speech Pathologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and Senior Research Fellow, Menzies School of Health Research, QLD; Dr Teresa Brown, Assistant Director, Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Lisa Castle-Burns, Head and Neck Cancer Specialist Nurse, Canberra Region Cancer Centre, The Canberra Hospital, ACT; A/Prof Ben Chua, Radiation Oncologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, GenesisCare Rockhampton and Brisbane, QLD; Elaine Cook, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Dr Andrew Foreman, Specialist Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Tony Houey, Consumer; Dr Annette Lim, Medical Oncologist and Clinician Researcher – Head and Neck and Non-melanoma Skin Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne, VIC; Paula Macleod, Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Dr Aoife McGarvey, Physiotherapist and Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner, Physio Living, Newcastle, NSW; Rick Pointon, Consumer; Teresa Simpson Senior Clinician, Psycho-Oncology Social Work Service, Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, NSW.
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