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Purpose of Review <p>Head and neck lymphedema (HNL) is a common early and late effect of head and neck cancer treatment that can involve both external tissues and internal pharyngeal and laryngeal structures, yet is frequently under-recognized. This review summarizes contemporary evidence on epidemiology, mechanisms, assessment, functional impact, management, and prevention-oriented surveillance.</p> Recent Findings <p>When systematically assessed, particularly with routine endoscopy, HNL is identified in the majority of survivors (approximately 70% to &gt; 90%, depending on methods), and severity correlates with dysphagia, voice impairment, airway symptoms, and reduced quality of life. Complete decongestive therapy remains first-line management and improves external edema in many patients, while emerging modalities (advanced pneumatic compression, photobiomodulation, and microsurgical reconstruction) show early promise but require higher-quality evaluation.</p> Summary <p>Integrating systematic assessment and timely rehabilitation intosurvivorship care may improve functional outcomes, while acknowledgingongoing evidence gaps.</p>

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Beyond Swelling: Redefining Head and Neck Lymphedema through Surveillance and Prevention

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月27日

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  • Sholem Hack,
  • Carolina Gutierrez,
  • Michael D. Stubblefield,
  • Jessica W. Gregor,
  • Ron J. Karni

摘要

Purpose of Review

Head and neck lymphedema (HNL) is a common early and late effect of head and neck cancer treatment that can involve both external tissues and internal pharyngeal and laryngeal structures, yet is frequently under-recognized. This review summarizes contemporary evidence on epidemiology, mechanisms, assessment, functional impact, management, and prevention-oriented surveillance.

Recent Findings

When systematically assessed, particularly with routine endoscopy, HNL is identified in the majority of survivors (approximately 70% to > 90%, depending on methods), and severity correlates with dysphagia, voice impairment, airway symptoms, and reduced quality of life. Complete decongestive therapy remains first-line management and improves external edema in many patients, while emerging modalities (advanced pneumatic compression, photobiomodulation, and microsurgical reconstruction) show early promise but require higher-quality evaluation.

Summary

Integrating systematic assessment and timely rehabilitation intosurvivorship care may improve functional outcomes, while acknowledgingongoing evidence gaps.