An Update on Lymphedema Management in HNC

Discussion of a recent blog post, by Dr. Ron J. Karni, addressing updates in lymphedema treatment, in particular, using the advance pneumatic compression device. 
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NEW PRODUCTS! Microstomia & OroFacial Scarring

NEW PRODUCTS! The OraFlex™ MPA for the prevention and treatment of microstomia & the OraPlace Tools for the prevention and treatment of orofacial scarring                           
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THE ORAPLACE CONTRACTURE TOOL LAUNCH

THE ORAPLACE CONTRACTURE TOOL LAUNCH

We are proud to announce the launch of the OraPlace Contracture Tools.  The OraPlace tools allow for preventative therapy to be applied shortly after a burn in acute care, providing a safe way to maintain facial motion as part of the healing process.  The OraPlace tools also treat existing burn contractures with multidimensional stretching to specific areas as needed. They provide facial reanimation, low load prolonged stretching (LLPS), and improved lip closure.
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What is Microstomia

     A Brief Guide on Microstomia Micro + Stomia  =  Small + Mouth Opening
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How to Measure MIO

Mouth opening is measured as a MIO or ROM distance. MIO (maximal interincisal 

opening) is the distance between the central incisors when the mouth is fully open. 

Average MIO for adults is approx. 50mm. By measuring MIO, a therapist can determine

if a patient is WNL or has trismus. ROM (Range-of-Motion) is the maximum distance

the mandible moves. ROM and MIO may be different, e.g. patients with an open bite.                        
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Dysphagia and the Tongue


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DynaCleft System for Cleft Lip & Palate

MEET RAFAEL! Rafael is using the DynaCleft® pre-operative positioning system for improved functional and cosmetic surgical outcomes. Cleft lip and palate is the most common craniofacial abnormality.
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Trismus in HNC Patients - 2020 Update

80-90% of patients with radiation to the pterygoid and/or masseter muscles will develop trismus.  Learn how to diagnose and treat including therapy with the OraStretch press jaw motion rehab system.
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Tongueometer Bluetooth Device Now Available!

BIG NEWS! Tongueometer Bluetooth device now available for iOS and Android devices. Increase tongue strength and endurance with an easy to use, affordable device. 

                  

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Support Organizations for Head & Neck Cancer & Craniofacial Patients

A review of a few of the wonderful nonprofit organizations within the HNC, dysphagia and craniofacial communities to support patients as they face these challenges.

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NEW PRODUCT ALERT! DynaClose® Strips for Skin Closure & DynaStretch® Strips for Skin Expansion

DynaClose strips are designed to close skin defects up to 5cm in width. The strips are clear elastomeric anchored by an adhesive fabric tape on either side. They provide an easy and non-invasive method to close retracted or dehisced wounds.


DynaStretch strips are designed to provide external pre-surgical skin expansion over an area of planned excision up to 5cm wide. New surplus skin may be consistent with the surrounding tissue and can be used to span a tissue defect created by surgical excision.


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SutureSafe® Strips - Improve Cosmetic Outcomes & Prevent Dehiscence

SutureSafe is an improvement over static tape to support closed wounds, particularly for areas of increased movement. 

It dynamically bridges and supports closure of surgical incisions, allowing a cushion of skin movement while still pulling

the wound margins together with gentle appositional traction. 

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Oral Mucositis in HNC Patients

Spring 2020 Newsletter ORAL MUCOSITIS IN HEAD & NECK CANCER PATIENTS Oral Mucositis occurs in up to 80% of HNC irradiated patients! What is oral mucositis (OM)? Mucositis is the inflammation,
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How Strong Is Your Tongue? and Other Fun Facts...

FUN TONGUE FACTS How long is the tongue?  The average tongue is approximately 3 inches in length. According to the Guinness World Records, as of May 2020, the longest tongue record goes to Nick Stoeberl whose tongue measures 3.97
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LEARN & EARN!!! SLP CMH REMOTE IN-SERVICE: Oral Complications of Head & Neck Cancer Care -- Trismus, Xerostomia, Mucositis & Dysphagia

Earn .1 CMH (1 hour) towards ASHA requirements with a remote live in-service.

Speech pathologist, Sarah Schuman, is providing a free in-service on trismus, xerostomia, mucositis and dysphagia in HNC cancer patients. The in-service takes approximately 1-hour and you will have the ability to ask all of your HNC rehab questions!

Please contact us via email to [email protected] or call us at 1-800-206-8381 ext 86 for scheduling.

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Saliva and Xerostomia in the HNC Patient

Head & neck cancer patients often develop acute and chronic xerostomia and dry mouth.  Learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of xerostomia and dry mouth.  
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The Psychological Burden of HNC Survivorship on Patients and Caregivers

An often neglected burden of HNC survivorship is that on the psychological effects of head and neck cancer on both the patients and caregivers. How can we, the providers, help?

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Radiation Fibrosis - Development & Impact in HNC Patients

Radiation, commonly used in the treatment of head and neck cancer, may negatively affect healthy cells by increasing the production of the protein, fibrin which damages soft tissues in the treatment field potentially leading to trismus, or limited mouth opening. Trismus affects patients negatively by making it difficult to speak, eat, maintain good oral hygiene, receive dental procedures and it even has the potential to complicate intubation. In patients that receive radiation treatments, approximately 30% will develop trismus. If the treatment field includes the pterygoid or masseter muscles incidence rises to above 80%. Loss of maximal interincisal opening (MIO) is continual and progressive in these patients. Therapeutic exercises will need to continue for the rest of the patient's life! The good news is that trismus is preventable and treatable with exercise therapy using jaw motion rehab systems such as the OraStretch press. 
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HPV Vaccine is Key in Fight Against Cancer

HPV Vaccine In The News!!!!

Published in The Lancet, an important new study demonstrates that vaccines against the human papillomavirus (HPV) are in fact decreasing HPV infections including precancerous cervical lesions and anogenital warts. This study indicates that the HPV vaccine has been more effective than expected, reducing rates of HPV infection in the vaccinated population and FURTHERMORE reducing rates of HPV-related diseases in the non-vaccinated population (herd immunity). 

In June 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices  approved the use of the HPV vaccine in some people through the age of 45. By expanding the pool of approved people, more insurance providers may cover the vaccine. 
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CranioRehab Update and Research Refresh

CranioRehab Update & Research Refresh. Review "Correlation Between Radiation Dose to Pterygoid and Masseter Muscles with Trismus" and "Successful Rehab of Facial Burns Using Jaw Motion Rehab Systems Including the OraStretch Press". Learn about CranioRehab products.
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Actress Aims to Destigmatize HPV- Related Cancers

In an effort to end the shame surrounding cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), actress Marcia Cross shares her personal story with anal cancer as well as her husband's with throat cancer. 
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Xerostomia in HNC Patients

Xerostomia, "dry mouth" is due to reduced or absent saliva production. It may affect a patient's quality of life and can lead to serious health problems! Learn about the signs, symptoms and managing xerostomia. 
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IMPORTANT HPV VACCINATION UPDATE!!!

On October 5, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the administration of the Gardasil 9 vaccine for women and men between the ages of 28-45 years. Previously the vaccine was indicated for individuals up to the age of 27 years. "Gardasil 9 prevents certain cancers and diseases caused by the nine HPV types covered by the vaccine". Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can cause head and neck cancer in men and women. It is the cause of most oropharyngeal cancers in United States. These cancers and their treatment may lead to trismus (limited mouth opening) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). 

The expansion in vaccination ages follows a study in which 3,2000 women between the ages 27-45 years were followed for approximately 3.5 years and it was found that Gardasil was 88% effective in preventing certain HPV related infections and cancers. The results were inferred to apply to men as well.

For further information, please see the complete FDA News Release at: https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm622715.htm
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HPV and Oral Cancer - Signs and Symptoms

HPV is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus. The best screening for HPV related oral cancer is by a medical or dental professional. However there are signs and symptoms that the individual can monitor. 
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Why can't I Suck out of a Straw after Wisdom Teeth Removal and Oral Surgeires?

Why Your Oral Surgeon Tells You Not To Use A Straw After Oral Surgery Procedures?
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