Lymphodema Clinic
Lymphoedema is a condition which occurs when the normal lymphatic drainage system of the body is damaged or disrupted.
Fluid passes out of your blood vessels to bathe the cells and tissues of the body. This fluid carries nutrients and oxygen, and carries away debris. Most of this fluid passes back into the blood vessels and is then taken up to the heart and lungs via the veins.
A small amount of fluid is carried away by the lymphatic system. This is made up of vessels (similar to blood vessels) and nodes which help to filter and clean the fluid. This fluid is called lymph fluid and eventually empty finds its way back into the blood circulatory system near the heart.
When the lymphatic drainage system stops working properly, lymph fluid builds up in an area of the body which produces swelling (oedema).
There are two main categories of lymphoedema:
Primary Lymphoedema
This can become apparent at various times during a person’s life but is due to the lymphatic system not being formed properly. It may be apparent at birth, but often is not noticed until puberty or later. This form of lymphoedema can be inherited.
Secondary Lymphoedema
This occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged by an outside force, e.g following cancer and subsequent treatment, trauma or infection. It may occur immediately or sometime after the event.
Lymphoedema cannot be cured as at present it is not possible to replace the damaged or inadequate areas of the system. However lymphoedema can be improved and managed in most circumstances.
We run a special clinic to help you control the symptoms of lymphoedema.
For your first appointment, we will normally ask you to come to our Hospice in Shrewsbury where you will be seen by a physiotherapist and a doctor.
Follow up appointments may be held at our Hospices in Newtown, Shrewsbury or Telford
If you suspect you may be developing lymphoedema you should contact your GP, consultant or specialist nurse. You cannot refer yourself directly to the lymphoedema clinic.
Preventing Lymphoedema
Although sometimes lymphoedema occurs with no apparent cause, often it becomes obvious after a trigger, e.g. an insect bite. Therefore it is important, particularly if you have had surgery or treatment which affects the lymph nodes, to take care of the area of the body which may be affected.
For example, if you have had breast surgery and radiotherapy treatment for cancer of the breast you should take particular care of the arm and chest on the side of the surgery.
This means:
- Good Skin Care – apply cream at least once a day. Aqueous cream is cheap and easy to use.
- Make sure you do not have injections, or have blood taken on that side.
- If you do cut or scratch yourself apply antiseptic cream and contact your GP if the area becomes red and hot.
- Use the limb on that side normally, but don’t carry anything heavy on that side.
Treating Lymphoedema
Although lymphoema cannot be cured there are treatments which can help and precautions to take to prevent secondary lymphoedema occurring.
1. Skin Care
Good skin care can help everyone. Apply cream to the swollen area daily, keep the skin clean and try to prevent cuts and scratches.
2. Compression
Compression, usually in the form of a support stocking or sleeve, or sometimes bandages, will help your body to pump the lymph fluid in the correct direction at a more normal speed.
3. Exercise
Gentle exercise will help the compression with the flow of lymph fluid.
4. Massage
A massage called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) may help some people. A simple version (SLD) which you can do yourself at home often helps.
