Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is the chronic swelling of part of the body, usually an arm or a leg, generally as a result of cancer treatment but also surgery and other illnesses.

Lymphoedema can be a very distressing condition, for which there is no cure. However the effects can be considerably reduced by a programme of specialist treatment, which may include the following components:

skin care
exercise
elevation of the affected limb
simple self-massage
compression - in particular the use of special hosiery or bandages

Lymphoedema services provide assessment, treatment, awareness education and support to people with cancer related lymphoedema, their families and health care professionals. Referral is generally via General Practitioner/consultant/health care professionals.

The Dorothy House Lymphoedema Service is primarily for palliative patients. It provides regular clinics at Dorothy House and in local community hospitals and clinics for referred patients.

Contacts

British Lymphology Society	British Lymphology Society 11 Oldbury Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 0HH 01452 790178	British Lymphology Society home
Lymphoedema Support Network	St Luke's Crypt, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH 020 7351 0990 020 7351 4880 (help line)	Lymphoedema Support Network home
Macmillan Cancer Support	89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UQ 0808 808 00 00 (help line)	Macmillan information
Manual Lymphatic Drainage UK	PO Box 14491 Glenrothes Fife KY6 3YE 0844 800 1988	MLD home

Review Date: June 2012

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