Information
· Primary lymphoedema:-
Arises from an intrinsic defect in lymph pathways. Can present at birth, in early childhood or in adult life. May be inherited. The term is often used when there is no identifiable external cause.
· Secondary lymphoedema:-
Results from damage to the lymphatic system. This may be cancer-related (surgery/radiotherapy, or metastatic or advanced disease), or due to non cancer-related causes, such as trauma or infection.
· Chronic Oedema:-
A term applied to chronic swelling where the lymphatics are not damaged but have become overloaded due to a prolonged increase in interstitial fluid volume, for example, dependency/immobility swelling, venous disease, morbid obesity, and medication
Services
There are two specialist lymphoedema services operating across NHS Lothian:
1. NHS Lothian Primary Care Lymphoedema Service
2. Edinburgh Cancer Centre Lymphoedema Service
M.A. & C.E/B.B. 07-07-25
See individual services
Do’s and Don’ts
Do
Explain a self-management programme will be offered which may include:-
- Skin Care advice and prevention of infection
- SELF-massage
- Active exercises
- Compression
- Healthy weight management advice
Don’t
State the patient will receive manual lymphatic drainage or mechanical compression pump system
British Lymphology Society: www.thebls.com
BMJ module http://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/lymphoedema
Lymphoedema Support Network: www.lymphoedema.org
Scottish Lymphoedema Website: www.lymphoedema-scotland.org
NHS Inform: Lymphoedema | NHS inform
