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Head, Face, and Neck Lymphedema

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Lymphedema

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Abstract

The predominant clinical presentation of lymphedema is characterized by the presence of regionalized edema; this problem is commonly encountered in the regions of the head and neck.

  • As in other forms of this disease, lymphedema of the head and neck can be classified as either «primary» or «secondary», although hybrid forms will certainly be encountered.

  • Head and neck involvement in primary lymphedema suggests a widespread developmental problem of the lymphatics.

  • Localized head and neck lymphedema also occurs as a consequence of recurrent episodes of skin infection or chronic inflammation.

  • Head and neck lymphedema is often iatrogenic, the consequence of surgical resection and radiotherapy.

  • A compression garment is required to maintain the results achieved with manual lymph drainage and multilayered bandaging. For mild cases of facial lymphedema, a ski mask can fulfill this function, but a medical garment for facial edema may be necessary. The garment is typically worn at home.

  • Treatment of head and neck cancer may trigger a variety of dysfunctional consequences beyond lymphedema. Lymphedema of the face and neck generates emotional and social dysfunction which must be assessed and addressed in a timely fashion to maximally enhance the quality of life for patients and family.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA

    Anne-Marie Vaillant-Newman & Stanley G. Rockson

Authors
  1. Anne-Marie Vaillant-Newman
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  2. Stanley G. Rockson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anne-Marie Vaillant-Newman .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Lymphedema and Vascular Malformations, Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

    Byung-Boong Lee

  2. Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA

    Stanley G. Rockson

  3. La Jolla, California, USA

    John Bergan

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Vaillant-Newman, AM., Rockson, S.G. (2018). Head, Face, and Neck Lymphedema. In: Lee, BB., Rockson, S., Bergan, J. (eds) Lymphedema. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52423-8_43

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52423-8_43

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-52421-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-52423-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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