Lymphoedema is the term used to describe swelling due to accumulationof fluid in the tissue spaces. This can occur anywhere in the body, but most commonly affects the limbs. It is important to note, that swelling can occur for different reasons, and it is essential that a diagnosis about the underlying cause of swelling is made by a qualified health professional.
Lymphoedema can be classified as Primary and Secondary, depending on the cause.
Primary lymphoedema may be present at birth, develop at puberty or in mid-life, and relates to abnormal functioning of the lymphatic system.
Secondary lymphoedema may occur following treatment for cancer, surgery, radiotherapy, recurrent infections or trauma.
If lymphoedema is left untreated, there is a risk that it may worsen over time.
Lymphoedema is not curable at present but there are ways to control and manage symptoms that can also help to improve quality of life.
Woodlands Hospice runs clinics for people with secondary lymphoedema as a result of damage to the lymphatic system.
The Lymphoedema clinic operates on three days a week, co-ordinated by specialist nurses.
Referral to the Lymphoedema clinic is as follows:
- Aged 18 or over
- Diagnosed as having a life threatening disease
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Diagnosed as having secondary lymphoedema
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Person wishes to attend and is able to travel to the clinic
Referrals to the out-patient lymphoedema clinic are welcome from GPs, Hospital Consultants and Clinical Nurse Specialists on completion of a referral form.
On receipt of referral:
- Initial assessments are carried out at Woodlands Out-patient unit
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Treatment recommendations agreed and implemented
- Ongoing monitoring of lymphoedema as required
- Treatment is reviewed regularly and GPs and referred informed of outcome
- Referrer notified of discharge from clinic
- Re-referral if required
Staff in our clinics are fully qualified to give advice and treatments. Specialist Nurses carry out a thorough assessment and go on to include advice on meticulous skin care, exercise, compression (stockings, arm sleeves and /or bandages where appropriate) and massage.
The aims of management are: -
To reduce swelling Prevent complications Facilitate adjustment Help promote self-management Referral on as necessary to Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist A Lymphoedema Support Group is held at the Hospice every other month with a planned programme of talks, topics and activities.
Details and itinerary are available from the clinic.
Referrals to the Lymphoedema Management service at Woodlands can be via GPs, Hospital Consultant or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
The referral is made by completing a Lymphoedema referral form and posting or faxing it to the Hospice.
