Title: Lymphoedema following treatment for head and neck cancer: impact on patients, and beliefs of health professionals
Abstract: European Journal of Cancer CareVolume 23, Issue 3 p. 317-327 Original Article Lymphoedema following treatment for head and neck cancer: impact on patients, and beliefs of health professionals A.C. McGarvey BAppSc (Physiotherapy), Corresponding Author A.C. McGarvey BAppSc (Physiotherapy) Physiotherapy Department, The Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AustraliaCorrespondence address: Aoife C. McGarvey, Physiotherapy Department, The Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Edith St, Waratah, NSW 2291, Australia (e-mail: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorP.G. Osmotherly MMedSc (Clin Epi), BSc, Grad Dip Physiotherapy, P.G. Osmotherly MMedSc (Clin Epi), BSc, Grad Dip Physiotherapy Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorG.R. Hoffman MBBS, PhD, FACS, FRCS (Irel), FRCS (Glasg), G.R. Hoffman MBBS, PhD, FACS, FRCS (Irel), FRCS (Glasg) Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorP.E. Chiarelli PhD, MMedSci (HProm), Grad Dip Physiotherapy, Grad Dip HSocSc (HProm), P.E. Chiarelli PhD, MMedSci (HProm), Grad Dip Physiotherapy, Grad Dip HSocSc (HProm) Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author A.C. McGarvey BAppSc (Physiotherapy), Corresponding Author A.C. McGarvey BAppSc (Physiotherapy) Physiotherapy Department, The Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AustraliaCorrespondence address: Aoife C. McGarvey, Physiotherapy Department, The Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Edith St, Waratah, NSW 2291, Australia (e-mail: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorP.G. Osmotherly MMedSc (Clin Epi), BSc, Grad Dip Physiotherapy, P.G. Osmotherly MMedSc (Clin Epi), BSc, Grad Dip Physiotherapy Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorG.R. Hoffman MBBS, PhD, FACS, FRCS (Irel), FRCS (Glasg), G.R. Hoffman MBBS, PhD, FACS, FRCS (Irel), FRCS (Glasg) Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorP.E. Chiarelli PhD, MMedSci (HProm), Grad Dip Physiotherapy, Grad Dip HSocSc (HProm), P.E. Chiarelli PhD, MMedSci (HProm), Grad Dip Physiotherapy, Grad Dip HSocSc (HProm) Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 10 October 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12134Citations: 48Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Cervicofacial lymphoedema is a recognised side-effect that may result following treatment for head and neck cancer. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of affected patients and the beliefs that treating health professionals hold about head and neck lymphoedema. Ten patients with head and neck lymphoedema and 10 health professionals experienced in the treatment of head and neck cancer patients agreed to participate in semi-structured face to face interviews. Interviews were recorded, audio files were transcribed and coded and then analysed for themes. Themes of experiences of patients with head and neck lymphoedema and the beliefs of health professionals largely overlapped. Given its visible deformity, the main effect of lymphoedema in head and neck cancer patients was on appearance. In some cases this lead to negative psychosocial sequelae such as reduced self-esteem, and poor socialisation. Clinicians need to be aware of those patients more likely to experience lymphoedema following treatment for head and neck cancer, and how they are affected. 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