Lymphoedema
January 21st 2010
Lymphoedema is the chronic swelling of part of the body, usually an arm or a leg, generally as a result of cancer treatment.
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
The Dorothy House lymphoedema service provides assessment, treatment, awareness education and support to people with cancer related lymphoedema, their families and health care professionals. Referal is via General Practitioner/consultant/health care professionals.
Regular clinics are held at Dorothy House and in local community hospitals and clinics.
Contacts
| British Lymphology Society | ||
| Lymphoedema Support Network | St Luke's Crypt, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH 020 7351 0990 020 7351 4880 (help line) |
www.lymphoedema.org/lsn/ |
| Macmillan Cancer Support | 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UQ0808 808 00 00 (help line) |
www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Symptomssideeffects/Lymphoedema/Lymphoedema.aspx |
| Manual Lymphatic Drainage UK | PO Box 14491 Glenrothes Fife KY6 3YE 0844 800 1988 |
www.mlduk.org.uk |
Review Date: September 2010