Head and neck lymphoedema is a common consequence of head and neck cancer treatment, yet its impact often extends far beyond visible swelling. Patients may experience a complex combination of fibrosis, pain, altered appearance, communication difficulties, swallowing challenges and reduced participation in everyday activities. This case study, shared by physiotherapist Dr Aoife McGarvey and her patient John, explores the clinical reasoning behind managing a complex presentation of head and neck lymphoedema and highlights the importance of focusing on outcomes that matter most to the individual.

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and tissues that lie just beneath it, and it typically occurs in the legs. It is the leading cause of potentially preventable hospital admissions in Australia. Treatment includes anti-biotic medication to treat the infection.

Breast cancer treatments often involve surgery and radiation therapy, to the tumour site as
well as surrounding lymph nodes in the breast and axilla. A common side effect of treatment
for breast cancer is lymphoedema, which can affect the breast tissue as well as the arm.

Physio Living is excited to announce the introduction of the HIVAMAT 200TM Deep Oscillation Therapy into our clinic. This innovative device was developed in Germany more than 20 years ago and has only just been added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods in April 2024! HIVAMAT (High-Intensity Vibration and Oscillation Machine) utilises a patented deep oscillation therapy via electrostatic forces.

Ms B came to see Dr Aoife McGarvey with several years of facial swelling involving her cheek and around her eye, which often affected her ability to fully open her left eye and therefore her vision. She also experienced severe neck stiffness and hardness of the muscles. Ms B had a rare type of cancer as a 12-year-old, which was treated with radical surgery and radiation involving her neck and face. 

During pregnancy, the body increases its fluid volume by up to 8 litres (over 33 cups) to support the growing baby and placenta, with approximately half of this being extra blood volume.

Mr H first saw me with severe and chronic swelling (otherwise known as oedema) of the right lower leg, ankle, foot and toes. Oedema/swelling in a leg can occur due to damage to the lymphatic system from surgery, trauma or infection. The swelling that occurs is lymphatic fluid sitting in the tissues that isn’t being drained back towards the heart (which is where all our lymphatic fluid ends up!).

Lymphoedema is a condition that can significantly impact quality of life, particularly for cancer patients who have undergone lymph node removal or radiation therapy. Early detection is critical in preventing the progression of lymphoedema.

We would like to share with you some information about lymphoedema provided by the Australasian Lymphology Association and what can help this condition.