Lymphedema Treatment After Head and Neck Cancer

1. Lymphedema Treatment After Head and Neck Cancer Head and neck lymphedema can occur after radiation therapy or surgery for treating head and neck cancer. It can affect the patient’s swallowing function and communication, and in severe cases, negatively impact vision, respiration, and ambulation. Moreover, the condition can cause disfigurement, causing embarrassment that can lead to mental and emotional strain. If you’re a certified lymphedema therapist or speech-language pathologist, you can be qualified to assist patients with their treatment by taking head and neck lymphedema courses. The goal of treatment Proper treatment can make head and neck lymphedema more manageable to minimize the symptoms and the impact it can cause on the patient’s overall well-being. Swelling is one of the consequences of chemotherapy and surgery for head and neck cancer, and it can complicate the recovery process. When lymphedema occurs in the head and neck region, managing relevant cosmetic issues and restoring basic functions like talking and swallowing become crucial. Online lymphedema courses include helpful workshops to provide every speech-language pathologist and certified lymphedema therapist with the academic foundation and practical application necessary to implement the basic techniques to minimize swelling and impairment. They also examine how interventions can affect long-term outcomes. Understanding head and neck lymphedema Lymphedema is among the common side effects of some cancer treatments, but it is not well-managed or understood when it occurs in the head and neck region. The condition develops when the body cannot transport fluid because of lymphatic system damage. It happens when surgery causes scarring that blocks the lymphatic vessels in the neck or radiation therapy damages the lymphatic system. When fluid doesn’t move or has difficulty moving, it accumulates and causes swelling. How it’s treated

2. Head and neck lymphedema courses can introduce innovative treatments and techniques for managing the swelling. So far, the most effective treatment regimen combines compression bandaging, massage, therapeutic exercises, and skin care techniques. A treatment program incorporates home therapy and outpatient programs. A certified lymphedema therapist can assist caregivers and patients and teach them about therapeutic regimens, such as using custom compression garments and gentle massage to encourage fluid movement to unaffected areas of the body. Exercises may also be conducted while wearing compression garments to boost the efficacy of treatments. More prevention and management strategies Online lymphedema courses can also introduce more management and prevention strategies for the condition, such as reducing the risk of injury and infection to the neck and head. It is recommended to consult a physician or a certified lymphedema therapist before buying a compression garment. That way, patients can wear the right garment that offers optimal compression without causing discomfort and worsening symptoms. Know more about lymphedema treatment after head and neck cancer Become a certified lymphedema therapist that can help your patients recover or manage their symptoms. Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy offers online lymphedema courses covering the basic techniques to minimize edema that can result in severe impairments. As a therapist, you will learn about the basic lymphatic system, manual lymph drainage, evaluation and measurement, compression garments and wraps, and documentation and billing. Head and neck lymphedema courses at Norton School are delivered by seasoned instructors specializing in head and neck cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema therapy.