Lymphoedema clinic

We are committed to doing everything we can to help you improve the quality of your life and maintain your independence. Our specialist nurses take a holistic approach to your care which means we look at the whole picture when helping you decide what’s best for you.

Our clinics can help if you have chronic oedema or if you are at risk of/or have lymphoedema. We treat people from the age of eight months old and we can help with the comprehensive assessment,
diagnosis and practical management of any form of lymphoedema or chronic oedema. Our team of nurses operate clinics at our sites in Whittington and Sutton Coldfield.

You will be seen in a private treatment room and your first assessment will last about one hour. Following your assessment we will discuss with you the cause of your oedema, how you can most effectively self-manage your condition in the long term as well as offering the appropriate treatment. A follow-up appointment will then be arranged to assess how effective your care plan is and make any necessary changes.

Our Lymphoedema Clinic operates a discharge policy. This means that we don’t want you to be inconvenienced by having to attend the clinic for any longer than you need to. When your condition is assessed as stable by your lymphoedema nurse – and we are happy that you have the necessary information and skills to take care of your condition without further support – you will be discharged and will no longer need to attend regular appointments.

Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling which can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly seen in the arm or leg. The condition, which is not currently curable, is called primary if it is due to genetic factors or secondary if it is due to other factors.

Lymphoedema can occur when the lymphatic drainage system in your body can’t work effectively because it’s been weakened, damaged, or become overloaded. The condition can also be caused by cancer and the associated surgery and treatments, such as radiotherapy. Other factors include obesity; venous disease; cardiac or renal conditions; reduced mobility; cellulitis or trauma/injury.

This can lead to a build-up of fluid and other substances in your body tissues. Unlike other oedemas, lymphoedema leads to changes in the tissues such as fibrosis (hardness) and an increased risk of infection (cellulitis). Over time tissues may become more solid, resulting in the affected limbs feeling heavy, tight and uncomfortable.

Lymphoedema is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. The main functions of the lymphatic system are helping fight infection and draining excess fluid from tissues.

There are 2 main types of lymphoedema:

• primary lymphoedema – caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system; it can develop at any age, but usually starts during infancy, adolescence, or early adulthood
• secondary lymphoedema – caused by damage to the lymphatic system or problems with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system; it can be the result of a cancer treatment, an infection, injury, inflammation of the limb, or a lack of limb movement

The main symptom of lymphoedema is swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of the body. It can be difficult to fit into clothes, and jewellery and watches can feel tight.

At first, the swelling may be soft and easy to push in, leaving a dent, and may come and go. It may get worse during the day and go down overnight. Without treatment, it will usually become more severe and persistent.

Other symptoms in an affected body part can include:

• an aching, heavy feeling
• difficulty with movement
• repeated skin infections
• developing hard, tight or thickened skin
• folds developing in the skin
• wart-like growths developing on the skin
• fluid leaking through the skin

Signs of lymphoedema in the head and neck may include swelling or heaviness in the face, mouth or throat, and problems with swallowing and speech.

Lymphoedema cannot be cured but, with appropriate treatment, its major symptoms, namely swelling and the risk of infection (cellulitis) can be improved and controlled. Skin and underlying tissues will also improve, function/mobility of the limb should increase and the psychological effects will be minimised.