CONTEXT Because surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy disrupt lymphatic structures, damage soft tissue leading to scar tissue formation and fibrosis, and further affect lymphatic function, patients with head and neck cancer may be at high risk for developing secondary lymphedema. Yet, no published data are available regarding the prevalence of secondary lymphedema after head and neck cancer t...

abstract background and aims: one of the complications of breast cancer treatment is ipsilateral upper extremity lymphedema. secondary lymphedema is a chronic condition that leads to loss of function and disorder of quality of life. the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of complex decongestive physical therapy (cdp) on pain severity and quality of life in patients with secondary upp...

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To compare available grading and staging scales that measure external lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and to assess problems and gaps related to these tools. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING A comprehensive cancer center in Tennessee. SAMPLE 103 participants post-HNC treatment. METHODS Four scales were used to evaluate study participant external ...

Lymphedema is a chronic and incurable disease, deeply disturbing physical and psychical health of affected individuals. Lymphedema is a progressive, if left untreated. Affected patients are looking for help between physicians and therapists of different specialities. Chronic lymphedema leads to emotional disorders, depression, even to suicidal attempts--especially in young patients. In rare cas...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to gather data from Canadian stakeholders to help construct a national strategy and agenda for lymphedema management. METHODS The Canadian Lymphedema Framework, a collaboration of medical academics, lymphedema therapists, patient advocates, and others, used participatory action research and Open Space Technology to identify issues and build consensus at a n...

A 42-year-old male with long-standing lymphedema presented to discuss therapeutic options for increasing leg swelling. His lymphedema began spontaneously in his midteens and asymmetrically involved both legs. No family history of lymphedema existed. Physical examination was remarkable for minimally pitting bilateral lymphedema extending from the toes to the upper calves. His toenails were diffu...

OBJECTIVE Our study examines the financial cost of lymphedema following a diagnosis of breast cancer and addresses a significant knowledge gap regarding the additional impact of lymphedema on breast cancer survivors. METHODS An online national survey was conducted with 361 women who had either breast cancer without lymphedema (BC) (group 1, n = 209) or breast cancer with lymphedema (BC+LE) (g...

PURPOSE Our study examines the impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema on women's work and career. Our research addresses a significant knowledge gap regarding the additional impact of lymphedema on breast cancer survivors. METHODS An online national survey was conducted with 361 women who either had breast cancer without lymphedema (Group 1, n = 209) or breast cancer with lymphedema (Grou...

Lymphedema results from abnormal development or injury to the lymphatic system. One-fourth of patients with lower extremity enlargement are erroneously labeled with "lymphedema." We describe a patient with hypothyroidism who developed soft-tissue overgrowth of her foot. She was referred to our Lymphedema Program for management of "lymphedema" and overgrown toes. The patient's lymphoscintigram s...

Lymphedema remains a poorly understood entity that can occur after lymphadenectomy. Herein, we will review the pathogenesis of lymphedema, diagnostic modalities and the natural history of extremity involvement. We will review the incidence of upper extremity lymphedema in patients treated for breast malignancies and lower extremity lymphedema in those treated for gynecologic malignancy. Finally...