Management and Prognosis of Physical Therapy for the Post-Surgical Sequelae of Metastatic Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Abstract

A common secondary complication of oral malignant carcinoma is metastatic cervical lymphadenopathy. The condition is typically treated surgically, with the affected cervical lymph nodes excised, followed by pharmacological treatment. However, additional complications such as asymmetry of facial features, reduced mouth opening, adhesions in sutured tissues, and so on accompany surgical management. This case report describes a case of an adult male who underwent surgery for metastatic cervical lymphadenopathy caused by previous squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa. To address the surgical outcomes that were affecting the patient's quality of life, an integrated physiotherapy management protocol was developed and efficiently followed for three weeks. Improvements in mouth opening, tongue movement, cervical joint movement, chest movement, and the Oral Health Impact Profile quality of life questionnaire were observed at the three-week evaluation, indicating that the intended therapy was effective.

Keywords: metastatic cervical lymphadenopathy; mouth opening; physiotherapy; quality of life; squamous cell carcinoma.

Figure 1. The Patient is Seen Demonstrating (A) Restricted Mouth Opening and (B) Reduced Tongue Movement Towards Left Side