The Revised Patterson

Internal lymphedema is prevalent for people with head and neck cancer. Jeans et al. (2023) report that more than 96% of people with head and neck cancer develop internal lymphedema, resulting in dysphagia as well as the occurrence of penetration and aspiration. The Revised Patterson Edema Scale represents a valuable advancement in the assessment of laryngeal and pharyngeal edema following treatment for head and neck cancer. Originally created to address the need for a reliable measurement tool, the scale was updated in 2021 by Starmer and colleagues to improve reliability and clinical utility.

According to Starmer et al. (2021), the Revised Patterson Edema Scale demonstrates interrater reliability across various parameters, making it a valuable tool across disciplines and experience levels. This revision includes clearer severity descriptions and photographic examples, ensuring more consistent assessments of edema in the supraglottic larynx and pharynx.

Arends et al. (2023) highlight the improvements in the reliability of the Revised Patterson for key anatomical sites such as the epiglottis, vallecula, and arytenoids, among others. The refinement of the Patterson Scale not only enhances clinical accuracy but also supports its practical application in managing internal lymphedema.

We are pleased to announce that the Revised Patterson Scale will be integrated into TIMS MVP later this year, empowering clinicians with efficient access to this tool. To learn more about the Revised Patterson, check out the articles cited in this post.

Endoscopic image demonstrating internal lymphedema.