A new study has shown liposuction
can be used to treat submental lymphedema in patients who have suffered from
head or neck cancer.
The condition often occurs among individuals who have
received treatment for these forms of cancer and affects the area under the
chin. Fluid builds up and the soft tissues in the neck start to swell, leading
to the area not functioning properly and becoming disfigured.
Dr S. Mark Taylor and Dr Maria Brake, of Dalhousie
University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, conducted a study on ten patients suffering
fromsubmental lymphedema and treated the condition by
making a small incision in their necks before using liposuction to remove fat
and fluid.
“The procedure is well
tolerated under local anaesthesia and in our hands has proven to be very
effective, resulting in high patient satisfaction,” the authors stated.
None of those who took part
in the study experienced complications and their condition did not reoccur
following the procedure.
All patients claimed they
would recommend the treatment to others with submental lymphedema as they
were pleased with the results.
The report was published in the journal Otolaryngology -
Head and Neck Surgery and the authors now plan to offer liposuction to their
other head and neck cancer patients.
