Measuring head and neck lymphedema: The “ALOHA” trial

Abstract

The tape measurement system and MMD show potential as objective measurements of head and neck lymphedema with the exception of 1 tape measurement point.

Diagnosis of Upper-Quadrant Lymphedema Secondary to Cancer: Clinical Practice Guideline From the Oncology Section of APTA

“…There is level III evidence to support using circumferential measurement at the upper neck point (under the jaw line) to detect lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer when compared with healthy controls ( t = 2.22, P = .39) 69. In addition, 3 of the tape measurements for patients with head and neck (ear to ear; circumferential measurement of upper neck and lower neck) correlated with MoistureMeterD (MMD) readings of extracellular fluid ( r s = 0.37-0.38) 69…”

“…In research, an MMD (Delfin Ltd, Kuopio, Finland) uses an ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic wave to measure the water content in the tissue 69. Higher values indicate increased levels of swelling 69.…”

“…In research, an MMD (Delfin Ltd, Kuopio, Finland) uses an ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic wave to measure the water content in the tissue 69. Higher values indicate increased levels of swelling 69. Mayrovitz et al95 found TDC normative values at the forearm for men to be 33.2 ± 4.0 and women to be 29.4 ± 2.7.…”

“…In a population of patients with head and neck cancer, Purcell et al69 reported excellent interrater and intrarater reliability (ICC = 0.97). Validity was established in patients with head and neck cancer using the 2.5-cm probe of the MMD on the skin 8 cm below the edge of the lower lip, and there was moderate correlation with the MD Anderson Head and Neck Lymphedema Rating Scale96 ( r s = 0.59) 69. Strong correlations were found between arm TDC ratios and arm volume ( r = 0.69) as well as segmental volume measures ( r = 0.77).…”

“…Measurement takes approximately 10 seconds at multiple sites and measures locally, so clinically this is an efficient technique; however, currently, it has limited availability 69. The multiprobe MMD has FDA approval, but the integrated-probe MMD Compact is only being sold under the status of experimental use.…”