Swelling in neck and throat Is it fluid?

Former Member
Former Member
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Good morning everyone 

It is 11 weeks since I completed Radiotherapy on the right side of my neck.I now have considerable swelling on the left side of my neck and under my chin.

Initially the swelling was soft but it now feels a little harder 

At my last face to face appointment 10nweeks ago,the Oncologist said it was fluid and I should massage it downwards

Has anyone experienced similar?

Alfredo 

  • Hi Alfredo. This is lymphodema. There are self massaging exercises but you really need to know which lymph nodes are intact as that’s where you have to direct the massage. Ask your CNS to refer you to a lymphodema clinic to get you started. It needs attention as it can get harder and harder and be permanent. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Beesuit

    Hi Dani

    Thank you for your explanation 

    I have a face to face appointment in 2 weeks time so I will raise the matter with them

    Alfredo 

  • Hi Alfredo as Dani says it’s lymphodema do mention to consultant 

    Hazel

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 35 radiotherapy and 2 chemo  3 rd cancelled. HPV tonsil cancer 7 lymph nodes. 8 years post treatment living a great life. 
    No questions too daft to ask. 

    I’m also an ambassador for https://oraclehnc.org.uk/
    A leading head and neck cancer charity. 

    This is a link to a webinar i did with Oracle explaining the process of diagnosis. 

  • Hi Alfredo, congratulations on completing the treatment and good luck with your recovery. I also had some swelling around my neck and was referred to the lymphoedema clinic. They demonstrated some massage exercises for me to self administer and gave me “ Hereford Collar” which I found useful.

    - John

    T4N2cM0 diagnosed June 2021