Eyelid lymphedema following neck dissection and radiotherapy

Abstract

Chronic eyelid lymphedema following neck dissection and radiotherapy is rare with 1 report in the literature. The authors report 3 cases and review the literature. Two cases had bilateral neck dissection and developed bilateral eyelid lymphedema and 1 case had unilateral neck dissection (left side) and developed ipsilateral lymphedema. Two patients underwent surgical debulking of lymphedema with significant improvement in symptoms. One patient declined surgical intervention, and the lymphedema remained unchanged. Chronic eyelid lymphedema following neck dissection and radiotherapy occurs where predominant lymphatic drainage to the submandibular and deep cervical lymph node basin is removed. Lymphedema tends to persist when it occurs and in selected cases appearance can be effectively improved by debulking and excision of festoons.