OBJECTIVE: To characterize the swallowing function, vocal quality, and larynx elevation in patients with esophageal cancer who are undergoing radiotherapy either in hospitalization units or as ambulatory patients of the hematology-oncology service of a university hospital. CASE REPORT: This is an observational, analytical, and retrospective study of transversal features. For this study, we researched data in a research database on the vocal assessment and risk of dysphagia in these patients. The records of 7 subjects (5 [71.42%] men and 2 [28.57%] women) with esophageal cancer were assessed. Four subjects were elderly (>65 years [57.14%]) and 3 were adults (18-64 years [42.86%]). Regarding swallowing, 4 (57.14%) subjects had functional swallowing and 3 (42.86%) normal swallowing. Five (71.43%) had adequate laryngeal elevation and 2 (28.57%) decreased larynx elevation. All 7 subjects had adequate voice quality. CONCLUSION: The group was predominantly male, elderly, with suitable larynx elevation, and adequate voice quality. Majority with appropriate vocal quality, larynx elevation, and functional swallowing emphasizes the relationship of vocal issues and dysphagia assessment. The subjects of this study showed appropriate movement of the larynx and had less risk of penetration and/or tracheal aspiration.
