In a partial laryngectomy, only part of the voice box is removed. A partial laryngectomy is used if the tumor is small, preserving speech and not requiring a breathing hole. A total laryngectomy, which is unfortunately the more common type, completely removes the voice box and may include other parts of the throat or other surrounding tissues. With a total laryngectomy, patients are able to swallow, but can't breathe normally or talk. There are three types of speech techniques used by laryngectomees.
Electromechanical speech uses a device that is placed against the throat or into the mouth.
The device produces vibrations that flow through the throat and mouth. The patient then forms words with the mouth as in normal speech. Advantages of this type of speech are that it is easy to learn and that it produces a loud sound. In Esophageal speech, the patient forces air into the back of the throat or down into the stomach and then forces it back out through the mouth, producing speech. Advantages include good voice quality and high success rate.