Lymphoedema Among Persons With Head- and Neck Cancer

Measurement of tissue water is performed with a device (MoistureMeterD) see appendix 1. In addition, the neck circumference will be assessed with a measuring tape, according to Purcell (9), see appendix 2. The measurement will be completed by Agneta Hagren, or one of her colleagues, with specific education.

The assessments will be performed before treatment begins as part of the clinical routine (baseline), and at 3 months, and 9 months after treatment completion.

Each participant will respond to quality-of-life QLQ-c30 and QLQ H&N35 questionnaires, appendix 3 and 4, at the same time points as the measurements of tissue water. Ratings of physical activity according to Frändin and Grimby will also be performed (23). The questionnaires will be sent home to the patients before the time for follow-up. A modified LyQLI questionnaire will be given to all patients with lymphedema and filled out at 9 months after treatment completion, appendix 5.

Post-treatment measurements +/- four weeks of the dedicated time point will be considered appropriate.

Discontinuing participation in the trial will be on:

• Patient request
• Locoregional tumor progression or failure during the study period. For example, residual neck tumor requiring neck dissection after (C)RT for OPC
• Locoregional deep infection i.e., suspected abscess at the scheduled time points for measurements.

Any interventional therapy for lymphedema during the follow-up is not cause for exclusion but will be registered.

Inclusion criteria

• Biopsy or cytology confirmed HNC (all malignant types are accepted) from the oropharynx (OPC), oral cavity (OC) or neck metastases from unknown primary cancer of the head and neck (CUP).
• Tumour stage T1-4, N0-3.
• Planned for treatment with curative intent as recommended at the multidisciplinary tumour board.
• Age >18 years. Able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Previous treatment of HNC or radiation to the head and neck area.
• Planned surgery that includes free tissue transfer or pedicled flaps in the neck (local facial pedicled flaps are accepted).
• Planned neck dissection involving less than three regions of the neck.
• Planned proton therapy.
• Pre-treatment surgery or Botox injections in the tissue in the head and neck area.
• Pregnancy