What is it about?
Structural abnormalities in the throat can contribute to swallowing difficulties and may require medical or surgical management. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) are commonly used to assess both swallowing function and underlying anatomy. This study examined how accurately speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can detect and interpret structural abnormalities during VFSS, and recommend compensatory management strategies. The findings showed that SLPs are highly accurate in identifying when a structural abnormality is present, supporting their role in early screening, particularly when a radiologist is not present. However, there was variability in identifying the specific type of abnormality, its impact on swallowing, and appropriate management strategies. These results emphasise the need for targeted training and multidisciplinary clinical pathways to support accurate VFSS interpretation and optimal patient outcomes.
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Why is it important?
Swallowing difficulties caused by structural changes in the throat can lead to serious health risks, including choking, malnutrition and aspiration. Early and accurate identification of these changes is essential to ensure patients receive appropriate medical investigation and management. Speech-language pathologists are often involved in videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and may be the first clinicians to recognise features of structural abnormalities. Understanding their accuracy in detecting and interpreting these changes is important for patient safety, timely referral and effective multidisciplinary care.
Perspectives
This study supports the important role of speech-language pathologists in the early detection of structural abnormalities during swallowing assessment. It also highlights areas where further training and support may improve consistency in identifying specific abnormalities and interpreting their impact on swallowing. The findings reinforce the need for strong collaboration between speech-language pathologists, radiologists and medical specialists such as ENTs and Upper GI surgeons, as well as the development of much needed targeted education and multidisciplinary clinical pathways to support best practice in structural dysphagia management.
Claire Stanley
Monash University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Speech-Language Pathologists' Evaluation of Structural Abnormalities on Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies, American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, March 2026, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2026_ajslp-25-00337.
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