TITLE:
Lower Limb Lymphedema after Treatment of Cervical Carcinoma—Effects on Daily Life Functioning
AUTHORS:
Dilruba Yeasmin, Shahana Pervin, Rifat Ara, Farhana Haque, Susmita Sarkar, Taslima Nigar, Annekathryn Goodman
KEYWORDS:
Cervical Cancer, Lymphedema, Quality of Life, Radical Hysterectomy, Pelvic Radiation
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.17 No.11,
November
3,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Lower limb lymphedema following treatment of cervical cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and has a negative impact on quality of life of the cancer survivor. Lymph node dissection is an integral part of cervical cancer treatment, and this procedure has been associated with lymphedema development because of a disruption of the lymphatic system. With appropriate therapy and education about lymphedema, quality of life in cancer survivors will be better. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of lower limb lymphedema following treatment for cervical cancer, and the symptoms (physical and psychological) associated with lymphedema that impact the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the gynecologic oncology department of the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka between 2018-2020. Cervical carcinoma patients attending the outpatient department and treated either by surgery radiotherapy, or both were identified. Patients with lymphedema were diagnosed using the International Society of Lymphology staging of lymphedema severity as a diagnostic criterion for lower limb lymphedema. Record review, physical examination, and a structured questionnaire on physical and psychological symptoms was administered. Results: 3164 cervical carcinoma patients were evaluated and treated between 2018 and 2020. The prevalence of lymphedema in this population was 6%. 189 cervical cancer patients were diagnosed with lymphedema. Seventy-four percent of these patients had undergone surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy. Twenty-six percent of the patients received radiation alone. In 42.3% of patients, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy was done. 40.8% of patients presented with numbness in lower limb followed by tightness (22.5%) and limited movement of knee (21.1%). 63% of patients expressed anxiety about their lymphedema symptoms. 55% of patients were depressed and sexual dysfunction was present in 35% of cases. Conclusion: Lymphedema is a significant, chronic complication of varying severity in cervical cancer survivors. There is no consensus on evaluation and treatment. Standardization in lymphedema evaluation is required. Educating healthcare professionals and patients is crucial to identify early signs and symptoms and help patients access the appropriate care.