Prehabilitation for lymphedema in head and neck cancer patients at a community cancer center

Abstract

Lymphedema is the swelling of tissue caused by the accumulation of interstitial fluid in any area of the body where lymphatic flow has been compromised.1 Secondary lymphedema is an acquired abnormality in lymph drainage1,2 and is the type commonly seen in cancer patients. Secondary lymphedema can be described as external or internal. Internal lymphedema, swelling of deep structures and tissues, is very difficult to quantify.