Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for Treatment of Head and Neck Lymphedema

Objectives: Specific Aim 1: Estimate the prevalence of head and neck lymphedema in patients who have been treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy (± chemotherapy) for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Compare functional outcomes in patients with and without lymphedema using cross-sectional survey methods. Specific Aim 2: Evaluate the effect of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) provided in an outpatient setting or a home-based program in reducing lymphedema in patients previously treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy (± chemotherapy) for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer at 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up. Patient characteristics, treatment variables, and the health care environment will be analyzed as possible explanatory variables that influence the effect of lymphedema treatment. Specific Aim 3: Evaluate the effect of lymphedema treatment on symptom burden, self-image, and functional performance status in patients previously treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy (± chemotherapy) for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.