Perceived Symptom Experience in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Lymphedema.

Abstract

Lymphedema frequently develops as a long-term effect from cancer and/or its treatment, including head and neck cancer (HNC). There is a substantial lack of understanding regarding the symptoms and experiences related to head and neck lymphedema. The objective of this study was to explore HNC patients' experiences of lymphedema, with emphasis on physical findings and associated symptom burden. This was a qualitative, descriptive study. A purposive sample of 20 HNC patients who completed lymphedema therapy participated in semistructured, face-to-face interviews. Thematic content analysis was utilized to assess data. Participants delineated the time when lymphedema onset presented and the sites of involvement. Most participants first noticed external or internal lymphedema/swelling within three months following either surgery or radiation therapy. Participants described a broad array of concurrent symptoms and functional deficits, including altered sensations, altered functions, neck-shoulder musculoskeletal/skin impairments, and psychosocial symptoms. HNC patients experienced multiple physical and psychosocial symptoms during the time they experienced lymphedema. Clinicians need to inquire about tissue swelling and associated symptoms early in the post-treatment period to initiate lymphedema management strategies in a timely manner and facilitate reduction of long-term symptom burden and functional deficits.