Lymphoedema
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What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a build-up of lymphatic fluid under the skin, caused by failure of the lymphatic system. It can manifest as swelling.
The lymphatic system serves many functions: it maintains fluid balance in the body and is part of our body’s defence system to fight infection. It is a widespread network of see-through, fragile vessels that link all parts of the body. The fluid within these vessels is called lymph
There are many causes of lymphoedema, including cancer and/or its necessary treatments.
It is important to remember that it is not your fault if you get lymphoedema. It is also not because your treatment ‘went wrong’. There are many factors that impact its development, but we know one in five patients with cancer will develop lymphoedema.
This short video explains what lymphoedema is
What is cancer related lymphoedema?
Translation of this film is available in Polish, for other languages, you can manually set your preferred language in YouTube and it will try and re-dub the film for you.
Signs you may have lymphoedema
- Swelling in any body part
- Skin changes
- A feeling of ‘heaviness’, ‘tightness’ or ‘fullness’
- Increased episodes of infection
Managing lymphoedema
Lymphoedema affects people in different ways, depending on the area affected or the severity of the swelling. To help you learn more about lymphoedema and what you can do to reduce the swelling, ask your team to refer you to the Cancer Related Lymphoedema Workshop.
This is a two hour workshop developed by a team of experts and patients, to help your understanding of what lymphoedema is and how cancer, or it’s treatments can increase your risk of developing it. The workshop provides patients’ top tips, and some great self-management advice from the clinical staff.
The workshop is delivered monthly, with face to face or on-line options for joining.
Lymphoedema self-management tips
Skin care
Lymphoedema can affect your body’s ability to nourish the skin, so it can become much drier than normal, and more prone to infections. To protect your skin, it is important to adopt a robust skincare routine.
- Regularly check your skin for inflamed areas, bites etc
- Use a soap substitute when washing to prevent drying your skin
- After washing dry your skin thoroughly, patting it rather than rubbing it
- Moisturise regularly with any emollient suitable for your skin
- Always wear sun protection when outside
- Protect your skin when gardening or doing housework
Weight management
Increased body weight makes it harder for the lymphatic system to work. The higher a person’s BMI (Body Mass Index – Calculate your body mass index (BMI) – NHS – NHS), the harder it is to drain lymph fluid effectively.
- A healthy weight can be measured by body mass index-
- BMI = Your weight(kg) / height(m2)
- Ideal BMI should be 20-25
The NHS has lots of advice and tools to help with weight loss
Lose weight – Better Health – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
The NHS Weight Loss Plan App is also available
For more information on nutrition please see the Healthy Eating pages.
Movement
Being physically active is important if you have lymphoedema. Activity gets the muscles contracting and heart pumping, which gets the lymph fluid moving around the body. Short regular periods of movement are recommended to help your lymphatic system. The British Lymphology Society (BLS) have a range of resources to support you to be active.
For more information on how to be active please see the Physical Activity pages.
Compression
Compression can help with long term management of swelling. It can reverse excess volumes of fluid that have built up and improve the shape of the swollen area, by preventing fluid refilling. There are different forms of compression garments, and they come in a range of colours. Your clinical team will advise on what is appropriate for you.
This leaflet provides additional information about compression garments.
https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DER_LGAR.pdf
Cellulitis
This is a bacterial skin infection. Having lymphoedema increases your risk of developing cellulitis in the swollen area.
Take symptoms of cellulitis seriously and get urgent medical attention if you suspect an infection. It is helpful to take the British Lymphology Society ‘Guidelines on the management of cellulitis in lymphoedema’ with you to the GP/hospital to help guide the appropriate management.
Cellulitis Alert Cards, available from the lymphoedema support network (LSN), are small cards which can fit into a purse or wallet. These cards contain information and links to the online guidance, so you can show your health care professionals the information easily if required.
Cellulitis Alert Card | Lymphoedema Support Network – LSN
Signs of cellulitis
- General malaise
- Increased temperature
- A clearly marked area of bright red skin
- Hot and painful to touch
- Redness can spread quickly
Can I have injections and blood pressure readings on my affected limb after breast cancer treatment?
There is research from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) that advises it is safe to take blood pressure readings and have injections and vaccinations in the affected limb following axillary surgery for breast cancer. However, we recommend the affected limb is avoided where possible for vaccinations as a lower immune response may occur.
Resources
We have a series of films that we created with our patients to explain the lived experience of lymphoedema. Each person in there five films describes the experience of upper limb, head and neck, leg and groin swelling an shares what has helped them.
Translations of these films are available in: Polish and Ukrainian. For other languages, you can manually set your preferred language in YouTube and it will try and re-dub the film for you.
BLS: British Lymphology Society
The lymphoedema support network (LSN)
Easy read information
Easy read guide for those diagnosed with lymphoedema
Lymphoedema Network Northern Ireland
Easy Read guide for those diagnosed with Lymphoedema | Lymphoedema Network Northern Ireland (LNNI)
Deep Breathing for Lymphoedema | Cancer Research UK – YouTube
Arm Exercises for Lymphoedema | Cancer Research UK (youtube.com)
Exercises for Head and Neck Lymphoedema | Cancer Research UK (youtube.com)
Leg Exercises for Lymphoedema | Cancer Research UK – YouTube
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapists Register