Patient
Information
What is Lymphoedema?
Page 1 of 2
Introduction
This leaflet gives information on Lymphoedema/Chronic Oedema
and its causes and treatments.
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a swelling which can occur in any part of your
body. The word Lymphoedema is a combination of Lymph – a straw
coloured fluid which runs through a network of vessels in the body
and Oedema which means swelling.
The Lymphatics are a system of vessels that run through the body
alongside the blood circulation – they form part of the immune
system.
Why does it occur?
Lymph naturally drains through a system of vessels back into the
blood circulation performing tasks, such as removing protein,
bacteria, dead or abnormal cells through lymph nodes. If these
vessels or nodes are absent or damaged, the lymph accumulates
and swelling occurs.
Primary Lymphoedema
This occurs from underdevelopment of the lymphatic system and
affects males and females at any age from birth upwards.
Secondary Lymphoedema
PI reference:
GHPI0824_06_15
Department:
Lymph.Service
Review date:
This may occur in the treatment of cancer where nodes are blocked
or removed due to surgery, radiotherapy or disease. It may also
occur as the result of infection, injury, burns and secondary to
venous disease or obesity.
June 2018
www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk
Patient
Information
Page 2 of 2
How is it treated?
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition meaning that it is life long, but
treatments can be effective in reducing or maintaining the swelling
and preventing problems such as infection, occurring or getting
worse.
The main treatments involve:




Skin care
Exercise
Compression hosiery/bandaging
Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD)

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (Lymph Assist)
Patients are taught to undertake the above in order to become self
caring and in control of their treatment.
Gloucestershire MacMillan Lymphoedema
Service
Wheatstone
2 North Upton Lane
Barnwood
Gloucester
GL4 3TA
Tel: 08454 228 750
Fax: 01452 548 230
www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk
Patient
Information
Page 3 of 3
Hours we are open
Monday to Friday – Office Hours
An answer machine will take your messages in between these times,
or if staff are busy with other duties. It may be a few days before
messages are answered. If you have any urgent problems please
contact your GP immediately.
Useful Addresses
Lymphoedema Support Network
Tel: 02073 514 480
www.lymphoedema.org/lsn
British Lymphology Society
The Garth House
Rushy Lock
Tadpole Bridge
Buckland Marsh
Nr Faringdon
Oxfordshire
SN7 8RF
Tel: 01452 790 178
Email: [email protected]
Reference/Evidence
Some of the content of this patient information leaflet was based
upon the following document.
Lymphoedema Framework: Best Practice for the Management of
Lymphoedema. International Consensus. London: MEP Ltd, 2006
www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk