FAQ's

1. What is lymphoedema?
2. Have I got lymphoedema?
3. How do I refer to the lymphoedema service?
4. What treatments are available at the Hospice?
5. How many practitioners specialise in manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD)?
6. How many days is the clinic open?
7. Have I got Cancer?

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphodema is a swelling that develops as a result of an impaired lymphatic system. This may be as a result of the lymphatic system not developing properly, or through damage or trauma. Lymphoedema can be defined as an abnormal accumulation of protein rich fluid in the tissues.

Have I got lymphoedema?

There are two types of lymphoedema. Primary lymphoedema and secondary lymphoedema.

Primary lymphoedema is usually determined from birth and arises due to some failure of the lymphatic system itself – usually with the underdevelopment of the lymphatic system. It may develop without any obvious cause at different stages in life, but particularly in adolescence.

Secondary lymphoedema is much more common than primary lymphoedema and is therefore classified according to its cause.

The causes of lymphoedema are as follows:

• Infection
• Trauma and tissue damage
• Malignant disease
• Inflammation
• Factitious (self harming and intravenous drug abuse)
• Immobility and dependency
• Venous disease

How do I refer to the lymphoedema service?

Please refer to our Referral Form

What treatments are available at the Hospice?

We offer the 4 cornerstones of management- skin care, exercises, compression hosiery and simple lymphatic drainage massage. We can offer manual lymphatic drainage massage and multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging for more complicated/complex lymphoedema.

How many practitioners specialise in manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD)?

There are 4 trained lymphoedema practitioners who are qualified in MLD and MLLB

How many days is the clinic open?

4 days, Tuesday - Friday.

Have I got Cancer?

This is a common question for patients who are referred with secondary lymphoedema (heart problems, chronic inflammatory conditions, primary lymphoedema). Explaining the difference between primary and secondary causes of lymphoedema helps elevate this but sometimes further investigations are needed if your past medical history does not correspond with why the lymphoedema/oedema has occurred.