CLT Post-Surgical & Oncology Lymphedema Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Pelvic lymphedema following gynecologic cancer surgery most commonly affects:
- The upper extremities
- One or both lower extremities and/or genitalia (Correct answer)
- The abdominal wall only
- The chest and arms bilaterally
Correct answer: One or both lower extremities and/or genitalia
Removal of pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes during gynecologic cancer surgery disrupts drainage from the lower extremities and genitalia, causing lymphedema in these regions.
Question 2: When treating genital lymphedema in male patients post-prostate or bladder cancer surgery, scrotal and penile MLD is performed using:
- Standard leg MLD techniques adapted to the area
- Specialized gentle techniques rerouting fluid to the inguinal region and inner thighs (Correct answer)
- Compression garments alone without manual therapy
- Deep tissue techniques to reduce fibrosis quickly
Correct answer: Specialized gentle techniques rerouting fluid to the inguinal region and inner thighs
Genital MLD uses gentle specialized techniques to move fluid toward functioning inguinal lymph nodes or across to contralateral drainage territories.
Question 3: Radiation fibrosis affecting lymphatic drainage differs from surgical lymphedema because:
- It is always reversible with MLD
- It involves progressive fibrotic changes to both lymphatic and surrounding tissues that may worsen over time (Correct answer)
- It only affects venous circulation
- It responds better to compression than MLD
Correct answer: It involves progressive fibrotic changes to both lymphatic and surrounding tissues that may worsen over time
Radiation fibrosis involves progressive scarring of lymphatic vessels and surrounding connective tissue that can continue to evolve years after treatment ends.
Question 4: Head and neck lymphedema from cancer treatment is unique because it can involve:
- Only external facial swelling
- Both external swelling and internal mucosal edema affecting swallowing and airway (Correct answer)
- The lymphatics of the thorax exclusively
- Only post-radiation changes
Correct answer: Both external swelling and internal mucosal edema affecting swallowing and airway
Head and neck lymphedema has internal and external components; internal edema can impair swallowing, speech, airway patency, and require specialized assessment tools.
Question 5: The LANA (Lymphology Association of North America) certification exam is primarily intended for:
- Physicians diagnosing lymphatic disease
- Therapists who have completed specialized CDT training and seek credential validation (Correct answer)
- Nurses managing lymphedema wound care
- Physical therapists specializing in oncologic rehabilitation
Correct answer: Therapists who have completed specialized CDT training and seek credential validation
The LANA CLT-LANA credential validates that therapists have met minimum training standards and demonstrated competency in CDT through examination.
Question 6: Precautionary measures recommended to reduce lymphedema risk after breast cancer treatment include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Avoiding blood pressure cuffs on the at-risk arm
- Avoiding air travel entirely for life (Correct answer)
- Protecting the arm from cuts, burns, and insect bites
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
Correct answer: Avoiding air travel entirely for life
Current evidence does not support avoiding air travel; patients are advised to wear compression garments during flights but need not avoid flying.
CLT Post-Surgical & Oncology Lymphedema Care 2
Pelvic lymphedema following gynecologic cancer surgery most commonly affects: