When lymph fluid builds up in the tissues under the skin, it can cause swelling (oedema). This is known as lymphoedema. It can happen if lymph nodes have been removed during surgery or damaged by the cancer, infection, injury or radiation therapy. Lymphoedema usually occurs in an arm or leg, but can also affect other parts of the body. The main signs of lymphoedema include swelling, aching or a feeling of tightness, which may come and go.
People who have had surgery followed by radiation therapy are more at risk. Lymphoedema or swelling is sometimes just a temporary effect of radiation therapy, but it can be ongoing. It can also be a late effect, appearing months or even years after treatment.
Ways to manage lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is easier to manage if the condition is treated early. Treatment will aim to improve the flow of lymph fluid.
- It is important to keep active, avoid pressure, injury or infection to the affected part of your body, and see your doctor if you have any signs of lymphoedema.
- Specialist physiotherapists (called lymphoedema practitioners) can help you to reduce your risk of lymphoedema or show you ways to manage lymphoedema if you have developed it. A personalised treatment plan may include exercises, skin care, lymphatic drainage massage and compression garments, if needed.
- Lymphoedema practitioners can develop a personalised treatment program. This may include exercises, skin care, lymphatic drainage massage and compression garments, if needed.
- Some hospitals have lymphoedema practitioners, and there are also practitioners in outpatient clinics and private practice. To find a practitioner, visit the Australasian Lymphology Association and click on “Find a Practitioner”.
For more on this, see Lymphoedema, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
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A/Prof Susan Carroll, Senior Staff Specialist, Radiation Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, and The University of Sydney, NSW; Katie Benton, Advanced Dietitian Oncology, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, QLD; Adrian Gibbs, Director of Physics, Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace, QLD; Sinead Hanley, Consumer; Dr Annie Ho, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, Macquarie University Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital, NSW; Angelo Katsilis, Clinical Manager Radiation Therapist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Candice Kwet-On, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Jasmine Nguyen, Radiation Therapist, GenesisCare Hollywood, WA; Graham Rees, Consumer; Nicole Shackleton, Radiation Therapist, GenesisCare Murdoch, WA; Dr Tom Shakespeare, Director, Cancer Services, Mid North Coast Local Health District, NSW; Gabrielle Vigar, Nurse Lead, Cancer Program, Royal Adelaide Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA.
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