Lymphoedema is a condition that occurs because there is a protein rich fluid accumulation due to reduced lymph transport capacity as a result of damage to lymph vessels and/or nodes.

When does this happen? This can happen at any time, but it is usually triggers off by things like a plane flight, an infection, or a cut or break in the skin.

How does it present? Lymphoedema can occur as a result of treatment for cancer. Initially it presents with no size change in the affected area (a limb for example). Symptoms of it starting are heaviness, or a feeling of "ants walking up your limb". It progresses often with you noticing a small difference in arm or leg size that increases during the day and decreases at night when your limb is elevated. With further progression your limb becomes fuller and then is more obviously swollen to you and to others.

You can seek treatment and education for this at any stage in your cancer diagnosis or in the convalescence process you are experiencing. Presenting early with small changes achieves the best results from treatment but excellent results are also possible with obvious swelling.

Treatment involves a selection of the following:

1. Skin and nail care

2. Use of appropriate exercise

3. Manual lymphatic drainage massage (including teaching you self massage).

4. Measuring and fitting compression sleeves or stockings

5. Use of compression bandaging

Lympoedema treatment is carefully thought out with the consultation of your doctor when necessary. We arrive at an individual plan of action that is personally tailored to suit your situation, always allowing for changes to be made.