Psychologic and Anamnestic Patterns Characteristic of Laryngectomees; Relation to Speech Rehabilitation

Adjusting to Laryngectomy

“…When a person hears that the diagnosis is cancer and that a laryngectomy is recommended, he may react in varying ways. Most clinicians who work with large numbers of laryngectomees know of two or three patients who have committed suicide rather than submit to surgery (Schall, 1938;Webb and Irving, 1964). A few patients may reject the recommendation for surgery or deny the cancer.…”

“…Their thoughts extend to home and work, to family and friends. The fear of social rejection (Webb and Irving, 1964) is diminished by the knowledge that their physical appearance can be most acceptable. For many, then, information about stoma covers triggers a chain of thoughts that enhances feeling of self-worth and dignity.…”

Factors Influencing the Learning of Esophageal Speech

“…In a study of 20 male laryngectomees, Webb and Irving (1964) concluded that most of the laryngectomees manifested throughout their life the triad of excessive speaking, drinking, and smoking, and there were other signs of instability and adjustment difficulty leading in the direction of asociality rather than neuroticism.…”