The ability to swallow — or to eat and drink what you enjoy most without choking or coughing — is something that many of us take for granted. And most people never think about how they eat or drink until they experience dysphagia, or trouble swallowing. 

Cancers in the mouth, throat or esophagus can make it difficult to swallow. If the ability to swallow is compromised because of a cancer diagnosis or its treatment, it can...