How is lymphoedema treated?

This page tells you about lymphoedema. There is information about

• What lymphoedema is
• Effects of lymphoedema
• Treating lymphoedema
• More information about lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is swelling that develops due to a build up of lymph fluid in a part of the body. The cause can be a cancer blocking the lymphatic ducts and glands that the lymph fluid would normally flow through. Or it may be scarring from surgery or radiotherapy or infections that blocks the lymph ducts.

Lymphoedema occurs most often in the arms or legs. But it can affect other parts of the body (such as the trunk, groin or face), depending where the damage to the lymph system is.

The main symptom is swelling of the affected part of the body. This will make the limb feel heavier and the skin feel tight. Sometimes the skin can look thicker than normal.

Once you have had lymph glands removed, or have developed damage to the lymph ducts, this cannot be put right. So there is no permanent cure for lymphoedema. But it is possible to control it with treatment to reduce swelling and prevent more fluid from building up.

There are 5 main types of treatment

• Care of the skin to prevent damage and infection
• Compressing the limb with elastic sleeves or stockings, or bandaging
• Exercise to help the lymph flow
• Positioning the limb and regular movement to use gravity and muscle movement to drain fluid
• Massage to help disperse fluid that has built up

Preventing lymphoedema

There are many ways you can help to protect your skin, either to treat lymphoedema, or prevent it happening in the first place. The main aim is not to damage or break the skin and so allow infection in. Always wear gloves for gardening and housework. Beware of being scratched by pets, pricking your finger when sewing and make sure you do not get sunburned. If you do get a cut or graze, treat it with antiseptic and go to your doctor straight away if you suspect a cut is getting infected.

You can look after your skin generally by using moisturising cream and hand cream. Don't pick at your nails, or push back your cuticles. If your foot or leg could become affected, see a chiropodist regularly. Finally, don't let anyone take your blood pressure, take blood, or put any sort of needle in the limb at risk.

Getting professional help

It is really best to get professional advice on exercise, limb positioning, and massage. The type of massage used to help with lymphoedema is very specific. You need to see a lymphoedema specialist to have it done. The specialist may be able to teach you some gentle massage techniques you can use yourself at home. Deep tissue massage (the type of massage you would usually get from a masseur) does not help and can actually cause harm, because it encourages blood flow to the area and so increases fluid build up.

You must have professional help with compression garments, such as elastic stockings. You need a lymphoedema specialist to measure and monitor the amount of pressure the stocking puts on each part of the affected limb.

To get professional help with lymphoedema, see your GP or talk to your specialist doctor or nurse. There are lymphoedema specialists around the country, who can give you treatment and advice. These specialists are usually nurses, doctors or physiotherapists who have expert knowledge and training in managing lymphoedema. The British Lymphology Society have a register of lymphoedema practitioners.

Research into lymphoedema

The ACE trial is comparing different ways of treating leg lymphoedema. It is looking at 2 pumps called compression devices that help to drain lymph fluid for people with leg swelling (lymphoedema). The trial aims to see which of the 2 pumps reduces swelling the most. This trial is no longer recruiting patients and we are waiting for the results. You can find information about trials for lymphoedema on our clinical trial database. Type 'lymphoedema' into the search box.

For more information about lymphoedema, type 'lymphoedema' into the search box at the top of the page. Or use this link to go to the page about lymphoedema in the breast cancer section.