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Lymphoedema after head and neck cancer treatment: an overview for clinical practice
Claire Jeans1, Bena Brown2, Elizabeth C Ward3
1Speech Pathologist, Speech Pathology Department, Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle, New South Wales Australia; PhD candidate, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) is a common complication following head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. This review increases awareness of HNL
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Lymphedema Management
- Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Background:
- Lymphoedema is a lymphatic system disorder causing fluid accumulation and swelling.
- Head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) frequently affects patients treated for head and neck cancer (HNC).
- HNL can manifest externally (face, neck) or internally (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide clinicians with an overview of head and neck lymphoedema (HNL).
- To enhance awareness of HNL and its patient impact.
- To discuss the challenges in managing HNL.
Main Methods:
- This article is a review of existing literature on HNL.
- It synthesizes information relevant to clinical practice.
- No new experimental data was generated.
Main Results:
- HNL significantly impacts patients physically, functionally, and psychologically.
- Management of HNL presents unique clinical challenges.
- Increased awareness is crucial for effective patient care.
Conclusions:
- HNL is a prevalent and impactful condition in head and neck cancer survivors.
- Clinicians require comprehensive understanding for optimal HNL management.
- Further focus on HNL awareness and management strategies is warranted.
Abstract:
Lymphoedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system that presents as an atypical swelling and accumulation of protein-rich fluid within the interstitial spaces. Head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) is highly prevalent in patients who have been treated for head and neck cancer (HNC) and may manifest externally on the face and neck; internally within the oral cavity, pharynx or larynx; or as a combination of both. HNL is known to contribute to a wide range of physical, functional and psychological issues, and presents several unique challenges in terms of its management. This review article provides an overview of HNL for clinicians and aims to improve awareness of this condition and the impact it has on patients.
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