Lymphatic research and biology
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The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and nature of internal, external, and combined lymphedema and fibrosis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). ⋯ Lymphatic and soft tissue complications of HNC occur not only post-treatment but also before treatment. They are ubiquitous throughout the first 18 months post-treatment, with greater than 90% of patients in our study experiencing some form of internal, external, or combined lymphedema, and over half of those patients developing fibrosis. Further research regarding these conditions is indicated.