Does anyone know if a condition called Lymphedema is common for head and neck cancer patients? and Why does it happen?

lymphedema occurs when the lymph fluid in the body doesn't have a pathway to escape. lymph normally travels along the path of the lymph nodes, so when any are removed the lymph needs to find an alternate route. this causes fluid build up and swelling in the area. as far as i know, it's fairly common in head/neck cancer patients.

Oh yes, it is common -- more like unavoidable -- when lymph nodes are removed. It has been several months since my surgery, and by day's end, my neck is still a bit swollen. Shortly after the surgery when my neck was huge, I used lateral massage to reduce the swelling very quickly. The plastic surgeon showed me how to rub one area gently back and forth in a horizontal motion, then move to another area and do the same thing. I did this while driving, while reading, while doing lots of things and the results were almost dramatic. Like many things, this, too, shall pass.
Joanna