Understanding Lymphoedema

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema (also known as Lymphedema) is a disorder of the lymphatic system. This system is a natural circulation system in the body that helps to remove waste and cleanse the body.

Often people only find out about the lymphatics when they go wrong. While lymphoedema can occur spontaneously, by far the commonest cause of lymphedema in the UK is following cancer treatment. Cancer surgery, radiotherapy or even chemotherapy can damage the lymphatics sufficiently to cause lymphoedema.

The lymphatic system

Normally, fluid is lost from the blood circulation as it passed through the smallest blood vessels. This fluid transfers nutrients and oxygen to the cells and keeps them healthy. The lymphatic system returns this tissue fluid back to the bloodstream as part of the natural balance of the body. The lymphatics consists of a series of drainage tubes, known as lymphatic channels, and lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are important for cleaning the fluid on its way back to the blood stream and help to trap spreading infection and cancer cells.

Types of lymphoedema

Lymphoedema can be described as Primary or Secondary depending on the underlying cause.

  • Secondary lymphedema occurs when a normal lymphatic system is damaged due to another disease or injury. The lymphoedema is considered secondary to the other condition. The commonest disease to cause lymphedema in the western world is cancer and this is mainly due to cancer treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy. Other causes are trauma and surgery for other conditions such as vein surgery.
  • Primary lymphoedema results from the abnormal development of the lymphatic system rather than damage. Most cases are sporadic and symptoms can occur at any stage of life. The underlying abnormality eventually leads to a reduction in the capacity of the lymphatics and development of swelling.

In other parts of the world a specific infection, know as filariasis, causes many cases of lymphoedema but this is typically not found in the UK.

How lymphoedema affects people

People affected by lymphoedema commonly have swelling of an arm or leg, a feeling of heaviness and reduced movement. They may also have pain related to their swelling. The use of compression garments to control the swelling can be uncomfortable, particularly in warm weather, and can make people self-conscious. A skin infection called cellulitis is a serious complication of lymphedema.

Progression of symptoms

A major problem with lymphoedema is that symptoms worsen over time. The excess fluid causes inflammation, which, if left untreated, can damage any remaining function of the lymphatic system. In the longer term a spiral of worsening symptoms occurs that can play out over a few months or years and may include laying down of excess fat tissue. Cellulitis can rapidly speed up this decline. Longstanding limb swelling of this sort can significantly reduce the quality of peoples lives.

Testimonials

PATIENT LF

It would be impossible for me to fully explain the difference that the improvement in my Lymphedema has made to my quality of life so far - Thank you!

PATIENT LF

PATIENT AC

Please thank Mr Gore who saw me for his very helpful letter, it is good to know that there is somewhere to turn to for clarity on lymphoedema

PATIENT AC

PATIENT GM

Without your surgery on my arm I don’t think I could of done this , I climbed Kilimanjaro on New Year’s Day

PATIENT GM

PATIENT DP

I think the service you have given me has been the best medical experience I have ever had, the team is very professional but with a really great empathy for the patient which makes one feel very comfortable and cared for.

PATIENT DP

PATIENT PH

My left leg is still staying soft and maintaining a good shape. I have noticed a reduction in my thigh area recently just by looking!

PATIENT PH

PATIENT VS

The surgery has made a big difference to my mobility, which has enabled me to do things that I want to do. The pain has lessened, which has improved my quality of life. Everyone in the practice I've had contact with has been kind and understanding. They've worked hard to make things better for me.

PATIENT VS

PATIENT SK

Many thanks for your wonderful service. You've changed my life by correcting my painful lymphoedema. Coming to see you was the best thing. All my thanks for making such a difference to my and our lives.

PATIENT SK

Explore

Understanding Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system. This system is a natural circulation system in the body that helps to remove waste and cleanse the body. Often people only...

Case studies

Show how lymphoedema surgery at Oxford Lymphedema Practice can be life-changing. Please note that the names of our patients have been changed to protect their confidentiality.

Our Surgeons

Our surgeons have pioneered LVA, VLNT, SAPL & SAPL supermicrosurgery for lymphoedema in the UK, performing these operations since 2012.

Oxford Lymphoedema Practice Ltd

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Nuffield Health, The Manor Hospital, Beech Road, Oxford, OX3 7RP

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Oxford Lymphoedema Practice, PO Box 1138, Oxford, OX1 9UN

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