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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Perceived Symptom Experience in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Lymphedema
Jie Deng1, Sheila Ridner1, Russell Rothman2
11 School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee.
Background:
Lymphedema frequently develops as a long-term effect from cancer and/or its treatment, including head and neck cancer (HNC). There is a substantial lack of understanding regarding the symptoms and experiences related to head and neck lymphedema.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to explore HNC patients' experiences of lymphedema, with emphasis on physical findings and associated symptom burden.
Design:
This was a qualitative, descriptive study. A purposive sample of 20 HNC patients who completed lymphedema therapy participated in semistructured, face-to-face interviews. Thematic content analysis was utilized to assess data.
Results:
Participants delineated the time when lymphedema onset presented and the sites of involvement. Most participants first noticed external or internal lymphedema/swelling within three months following either surgery or radiation therapy. Participants described a broad array of concurrent symptoms and functional deficits, including altered sensations, altered functions, neck-shoulder musculoskeletal/skin impairments, and psychosocial symptoms.
Discussion:
HNC patients experienced multiple physical and psychosocial symptoms during the time they experienced lymphedema.
Conclusions:
Clinicians need to inquire about tissue swelling and associated symptoms early in the post-treatment period to initiate lymphedema management strategies in a timely manner and facilitate reduction of long-term symptom burden and functional deficits.
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