Lymphedema management in head and neck cancer

Abstract

Purpose of review Head and neck lymphedema (HNL) is a common and often debilitating cancer treatment effect that is under-researched and ill defined. We examined current literature and reviewed historical treatment approaches. We propose a model for evaluation and treatment of HNL used at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Recent findings Despite the morbidity associated with HNL in patients with HNC, to our knowledge, no article has been published within the past 18 months whose primary focus is HNL. Eight publications included HNL but only as a secondary focus related to treatment effect, risk of dysphagia, prognostic indicator of underlying disease, and quality of life. A potential benefit of Selenium treatment to reduce HNL was reported. Summary This article highlights the recent literature regarding HNL in patients treated for HNC. Although HNL is reported as a potential complication of HNC treatment, no clear definition of the disease or its management are published. Our early experience using an objective evaluation and treatment protocol holds promise for a better understanding of HNL in patients treated for head and neck malignancy.

The Role of Selenium in Inflammation and Immunity: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities

“…This condition may arise as a potentially serious complication from treatment of patients with breast, gynecologic, or genitourinary cancers (234). There is some association of the degenerative changes that occur during lymphedema with excessive generation of oxygen radicals, which has led to the investigation of Se supplementation as a treatment modality.…”

Lymphedema after combination treatment of head and neck tumors

“…Терапия В настоящее время лимфедема области головы и шеи зачастую остается без внимания. Динамическое наблюдение без необходимого лечения приводит к то-му, что лимфедема постепенно переходит в стадию фиброза, вследствие чего развиваются косметические и функциональные осложнения, часто необратимые, психологический дискомфорт [2]. Большинство меж-дународных исследований показали, что раннее вы-явление и начало терапии помогает избежать проблем, связанных с речью, дыханием, глотанием.…”

“…Распространенность вторичной лимфедемы области головы и шеи значительно ниже по сравнению с рас-пространенностью вторичной лимфедемы конечностей [2]. Частота развития той или иной степени отека варьи-рует от 12,1 [3] до 90 % [4].…”

“…Первичная лимфедема развивается при врожден-ных аномалиях лимфатической системы и встречается достаточно редко. Вторичная лимфедема формируется при поражении лимфатической системы области голо-вы и шеи после лечения опухолей данной локализации и при метастатическом поражении [1].Распространенность вторичной лимфедемы области головы и шеи значительно ниже по сравнению с рас-пространенностью вторичной лимфедемы конечностей [2]. Частота развития той или иной степени отека варьи-рует от 12,1 [3] до 90 % [4].…”

Head and neck lymphedema: what is the physical therapy approach? A literature review

“…Even though many of these treatments are effective in eradicating the tumor and/ or generate better results in regard to survival, local control and preservation of function, these interventions usually involve co-morbidities (5). The followup of patients after cancer treatment is important because there may be some after-effects, such as lymphedema (7,8,9).…”