Nutrition Therapy for Laryngeal Cancer
Learn More About Laryngeal Cancer Nutrition Therapy: Chat with Us | Email Us
Laryngeal Cancer Treatment: Nutrition Therapy
Nutritional therapy is an integral part of our approach to laryngeal cancer treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). We assess each patient individually to determine his or her nutritional status and needs. We then create a customized, nutrition therapy plan for those patients, which they can follow throughout their laryngeal cancer treatment at CTCA.
According to the National Cancer Institute, about one-third of all cancer deaths can be linked to malnutrition. Laryngeal cancer and its related treatment can deplete your body's nutrients, leading to weight loss and appetite suppression. Treatment may hinder your body's ability to digest foods. Any or all of these factors can leave you in a vulnerable and weakened condition. But at CTCA, we’ll help you to receive optimal nutrition, which can help strengthen you during your laryngeal cancer treatment.
Our mission
Our nutrition program at CTCA provides quality care for laryngeal cancer patients through nutritional assessment, education, supplementation and support. We achieve this by providing you with a comprehensive assessment of your risk for malnutrition, and then by helping you to implement a nutrition plan suited to you.
Assessment
The first step in developing your individualized nutrition plan is an assessment of your unique nutritional needs and status. This assessment may include any or all of the following:
- Laboratory analysis of your blood: This determines the status of your immune system (immunocompetence) and protein stores.
- Medical history and nutrition interview: This offers our nutritionists/dietitians insight into your appetite, food preferences, the status of your digestive system and any existing or potential complications we may need to be aware of during your laryngeal cancer treatment.
- Computerized diet profile: A three-day, nutrient intake analysis completed by you.
- Nutrition anthropometrics: Body measurements are made to determine your percent of body fat and loss of lean tissue.
Following admission to a CTCA facility for laryngeal cancer treatment, these additional tests may be performed:
- Indirect calorimetry: A simple breathing test to measure your calorie requirements.
- Nitrogen balance: Measurement of protein loss to determine if protein is being utilized properly by your body.
Diet
You are encouraged to eat foods that provide optimal nutritional benefit and support. At our cancer hospitals, a registered dietitian will consult with you to develop an individualized meal plan to be followed throughout your laryngeal cancer treatment. Selections include fish, poultry, legumes, low-fat yogurt, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and other healthy food choices. Click here for a sampling of nutritional recipes we use in our own hospitals.
Supplementation
Vitamin and mineral supplements are an important way to provide nutrients your diet may not include. They can offer a boost where laryngeal cancer or related treatments may have depleted your body. The CTCA supplementation plan includes nutrients that may support your immune system and reduce toxic side effects. Depending on your unique nutritional needs, daily dosages of various nutrients that may be recommended to you may include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Beta carotene
- Selenium
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Other supplements, as appropriate
Nutritional support
If, at any time during your laryngeal cancer treatment at CTCA, you are unable to eat or digest food, nutrition may be provided parenterally (through a vein) or enterally (through a feeding tube). The nutrition/metabolic support team (comprised of a physician, nutrition specialist, nurse and pharmacist) will work closely with you, should you require such nutritional support.
Education
You may consult with a registered dietitian at any time during your laryngeal cancer treatment at CTCA. We also offer programs and classes on nutrition and cancer, as well as cooking demonstrations. Books, articles and other publications on laryngeal cancer and nutrition are also available.
Next Topic: Pain Management for Laryngeal Cancer
