---
title: Head and Neck Cancer Lymphedema
---

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## MAKE THE CONNECTION

between head and neck cancer and lymphedema

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A healthy lymphatic system moves lymph fluid throughout the body. During cancer treatment, tumors, surgery and radiation can cause damage to the lymphatics. This damage can cause the lymph fluid to pool instead of flow, leading to debilitating internal and external swelling. 

This is lymphedema. 

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### The Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema*

- Dysphagia
- Pain, discomfort, tightness
- Scarring or fibrosis
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling – internal and external
- Vocal changes or difficulty speaking

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* American Society of Clinical Oncology  
  1. Ridner, S.H., et al., A prospective Study of the Lymphedema and Fibrosis Continuum  
  in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. *Lymphat Res Biol*, 2016. 14(4): p. 198-205

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### Lymphedema Can Be External and Internal

### ![hnc external or internal](https://info.tactilemedical.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eloqua%20Transition/hnc%20external%20or%20internal.png?width=400&name=hnc%20external%20or%20internal.png)           

 

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### Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive disease.

### **Untreated swelling leads to fibrosis.**

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## How to Identify Lymphedema

### CT Scan

### FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)

## ![HNC CT](https://info.tactilemedical.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eloqua%20Transition/HNC%20CT.jpg?width=221&name=HNC%20CT.jpg)

Seven-month post treatment scan2:

1. Submental Swelling
2. Epiglottis thickened
3. Prevertebral soft tissue swelling at C3

## ![HNC_FEES-Image](https://info.tactilemedical.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eloqua%20Transition/HNC_FEES-Image.jpg?width=380&name=HNC_FEES-Image.jpg)

#### [Example FEES Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ALxbal1Nzk)

2. Deng J, et al. Assessment and measurement of head and neck lymphedema: State-of-the-science and future directions. *Oral Oncology*. 2015 51 (431-437)

## HOW TO TREAT LYMPHEDEMA

### In-Clinic Treatment:

- Lymphedema therapy
- Speech pathology

 

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### Daily Home Treatment:

- Lymphatic drainage via pneumatic compression
- Compression/exercise
- Elevation while sleeping

 

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#### Flexitouch Plus is the only FDA cleared pneumatic compression device for head and neck cancer-related lymphedema and can be prescribed during routine follow up care.![hnc_Clock](https://info.tactilemedical.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eloqua%20Transition/hnc_Clock.png?width=123&name=hnc_Clock.png)

 

It takes just 32 minutes per day. 

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### Take the steps now to help your head and neck cancer survivors.

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