LYMPHOEDEMA

Oedema = swelling

Lymph is a colourless fluid forming in the tissues of the body and normally draining back into the blood circulation, through a network of vessels and nodes called the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes act as filter stations and play an important part in the body's defence against infection, by removing excess protein, dead or abnormal cells and bacteria.

As the flow of lymph is dammed up behind damaged or blocked drainage routes, fluid accumulates in surrounding tissues and swelling occurs. Unlike other forms of oedema, lymphoedema is not solely due to water remaining in the tissues. Stagnant lymph forms a solid component, making the control of swelling more difficult.

Primary lymphoedema is usually determined from birth, and can affect infants, children, men or women at any age.

Secondary lymphoedema is related to damage or blockage of lymph drainage routes following infection, trauma (surgery or radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer) and other medical conditions.

Your oncologist can tell you if your treatment could affect lymph drainage.
Everyone with lymphoedema needs access to advice, treatments and a minimum provision of care.
Precautions must be taken to avoid overloading your remaining lymph drainage routes.

The condition cannot be reversed but a number of treatments can help control it.