Understanding Brain Tumour: Diagnosis, Treatment & Therapy

Treatments for Adults

Cancer or Brain Tumour

OVERVIEW

What is cancer or brain tumour?

Cancer and brain tumours can significantly affect a person's ability to speak, swallow, and communicate effectively. The impact of these conditions on communication and swallowing is often a result of the tumour itself or the treatments used to address them, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a critical role in supporting individuals with cancer and brain tumours, helping them regain lost communication skills, improve swallowing function, and maintain quality of life. Early intervention by an SLP is essential in improving the outcomes for individuals affected by these conditions.

1SpecialPlace has been a lifeline for me since my brain cancer diagnosis. Their therapy services helped me regain my speech and cognitive abilities, as well as improve my daily living skills. The therapists are compassionate, knowledgeable, and provided personalized care that made a significant difference in my quality of life. I can’t thank 1SpecialPlace enough for their exceptional support and dedication throughout my treatment.

Patient with brain cancer

Diagnosis

Diagnosing speech and swallowing difficulties caused by cancer or brain tumours typically involves a combination of the following:

Medical History: Review of the patient's cancer diagnosis, treatment history, and current symptoms.
Physical and Neurological Exam: Evaluation of speech, language, and cognitive abilities. This helps identify areas affected by the brain tumour or cancer treatment.
Swallowing Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment to evaluate how well the patient can swallow food and liquids, identifying any risk for aspiration or choking.
Imaging Tests (CT/MRI scans): These scans are used to detect and monitor brain tumours, helping doctors identify the location and size of the tumour, which could be impacting speech and swallowing.
Speech and Cognitive Assessments: A series of tests administered by an SLP to assess speech clarity, fluency, comprehension, and cognitive function, especially if the tumour is affecting areas of the brain responsible for language.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of brain tumours or cancer-related speech and swallowing difficulties can vary greatly depending on the tumour's location, size, and treatment. Common signs include:

Speech Difficulties: Slurred or slowed speech, trouble finding words, difficulty pronouncing words clearly, or speaking in a monotone voice.
Swallowing Difficulties: Painful swallowing, difficulty swallowing liquids or solids, coughing or choking while eating, or a sensation of food being stuck in the throat.
Cognitive and Memory Problems: Difficulty with memory, concentration, and executive functions, which may affect communication.
Weakness in Facial Muscles: One side of the face may droop, making it harder to pronounce words clearly.
Fatigue: Treatment-related fatigue may also affect the patient’s ability to participate in speech and swallowing exercises.
Change in Voice: A hoarse or breathy voice due to weakness of the vocal cords or damage to the laryngeal muscles.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing brain tumours and cancer-related speech or swallowing difficulties include:

Type of Cancer: Brain tumours may arise from primary brain cells or spread from other areas of the body (metastatic cancer). Both can affect speech and swallowing.
Location of the Tumour: Tumours in areas responsible for speech and motor functions, such as the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, or brainstem, can severely impact communication and swallowing.
Cancer Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy used to treat brain tumours or head and neck cancers can lead to speech and swallowing complications. Radiation to the head or neck area can damage tissues, leading to dryness, pain, or loss of function.
Age and Overall Health: Older adults and those with weakened immune systems may be more prone to complications from both the tumour and treatments.
Family History: Certain genetic conditions may increase the risk of developing brain tumours.

Treatment

Treatment for speech and swallowing difficulties caused by cancer and brain tumours is tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals. An SLP plays a vital role in the management of these issues:

Speech Therapy: Speech therapy for brain tumour or cancer patients focuses on:
- Articulation and Fluency: Teaching strategies to help with speech clarity, pronunciation, and fluidity.
- Cognitive-Communication Therapy: Exercises to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and language comprehension.
- Voice Therapy: Strengthening vocal cords and using appropriate breathing techniques to improve voice quality.
Swallowing Therapy: An SLP evaluates and provides strategies to improve swallowing, such as:
- Swallowing Exercises: Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing.
- Diet Modifications: Recommendations for softer or liquid diets to ensure safety and prevent choking.
- Adaptive Strategies: Techniques like adjusting posture or using thicker liquids to make swallowing easier.
- Feeding Tube Consultation: For patients with severe swallowing difficulties, an SLP may recommend a feeding tube or alternative feeding methods.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: After surgery for brain tumours or cancer treatments, therapy focuses on helping the patient recover lost speech and swallowing skills, as well as addressing any new deficits.
Collaborative Care: SLPs work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with oncologists, surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Tips for Caregivers

Supporting a loved one with cancer or a brain tumour can be overwhelming, but your involvement plays an essential role in their recovery. Here are some tips for supporting your family member:

Encourage Communication: Be patient and allow your loved one extra time to speak. Use gestures, writing, or communication boards if needed.
Adapt Meals: Ensure that food is cut into small, manageable pieces and use thicker liquids if recommended by an SLP. This reduces the risk of choking.
Assist with Posture: Encourage proper posture while eating or drinking to make swallowing safer and easier.
Provide a Calm Environment: Reducing distractions during communication and meals can help your loved one focus better.
Monitor for Signs of Aspiration: Watch for coughing, choking, or changes in breathing patterns while eating or drinking. Notify the healthcare team if these symptoms occur.
Seek Professional Help: Regular visits to an SLP will help monitor progress and adjust therapy strategies to meet evolving needs.