If the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, lymphoedema can occur at any time. For people diagnosed with cancer this can happen during initial treatment, after treatment is completed or when in remission. Usually it develops slowly, over many months or even years. Visit Lymphoedema: what you need to know for more information.
New cancer story published
Everyone’s experience of cancer is different, but the support, comfort and connection we gain from sharing stories and experiences is powerful.
Robyn, in her tenth and final year of cancer treatment shares her experience with us. Read Robyn’s story.
Help develop a resource for gynaecological cancer nurses
This project aims to create a helpful guide for specialised nurses caring for women with gynaecological cancers. Nurses and people who have experience of a gynaecological cancer diagnosis are invited to join an online focus group to provide their input.
Advance care planning helps to ensure that your loved ones and your doctors know your preferences for future health care. Find out why it’s important to organize a plan when you are healthy and how you can get the process started via the Advance Care Planning Australia website or watch our recorded webinar.
Have your say on the draft National Optimal Care Pathways (OCP) Framework
This framework will assist health professionals and health services to deliver optimal care that is consistent, safe, high-quality, evidence-based and also culturally appropriate.
March is Lymphoedema Awareness Month, so we are sharing information for people who have had treatment for cancer and may be at risk of developing this condition.
What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is swelling (oedema) that occurs when fluid (lymph) builds up in tissues, under the skin, or sometimes more deeply in the chest, abdomen or neck. Your arms and legs are most commonly affected after cancer treatment.
When this swelling is caused by damage to the lymphatic system (for example, by surgery or radiotherapy), it is called secondary lymphoedema. In rare cases, people may develop primary lymphoedema, but we are only discussing secondary lymphoedema here.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system protects the body against infection. It is made up of a network of fine tubes across the body. It carries lymph fluid from tissues and organs and takes this to lymph nodes. The lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid removing bacteria and viruses. Then the filtered lymph fluid passes out of the lymph nodes into the bloodstream.
If the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, lymphoedema can occur at any time. For people diagnosed with cancer this can happen during initial treatment, after treatment is completed or when you’re in remission. It may develop if you’re experiencing advanced cancer. Usually it develops slowly, over many months or even years.
More than one in 5 people with cancer develop lymphoedema to some degree. Most don’t and it depends on the type of cancer you have, where it is, what treatment you’ve had and other health conditions you experience.
radiation therapy that damages the lymphatic system (scarring and thickening the vessels so they’re not carrying the lymph fluid as well as before)
Taxane-based chemotherapy (speak with your oncologist about this association)
an infection in the limb where lymph nodes were removed/damaged
an injury to the lymphatic vessels
obesity
not being able to move around easily
rheumatoid arthritis
older age.
The table shows areas that may be affected by lymphoedema depending on the type of cancer:
Cancer type
Commonly affected areas
Bladder
Genitals and legs
Breast
Arm, hand, breast, chest, trunk
Cervical
Genitals and legs
Head and neck
Face, below chin and/or neck
Melanoma
Any part of the body such as face, neck, hand, forearm, upper arm or whole arm, breast and/or chest wall, legs
Ovarian
Genitals, abdomen/trunk and legs
Uterine
Legs
Vulvar/vaginal
Genitals and legs
How do I know I have lymphoedema?
Diagnosing lymphoedema early gives you the best chance of reducing how it affects you.
Early signs include:
swelling that is soft to the touch and is usually not painful at first
swelling and a heavy or achy feeling in your arms or legs that may spread to your fingers and toes
swelling and a tight uncomfortable feeling on your face, neck, or under your chin
difficulty moving your head or neck
a dent when you press on the swollen area
tight watches, jewellery or clothes.
Later signs include:
swelling that doesn’t go down after elevation (overnight)
swelling that is firmer and more difficult to dent
infection – cellulitis (redness, heat and pain) of the skin over the swollen area
nail changes to the affected limb.
What help can I get?
Treatment improves the lymphatic fluid’s flow through the affected area. This helps reduce swelling and improves the health of the swollen tissue. Reducing the swelling will lower your risk of infection, make movement easier and more comfortable, and improve your wellbeing. A range of health professionals may be involved in your care including a lymphoedema practitioner, your doctor, a podiatrist and dietitian.
Treatment can include:
skin care, especially preventing infection, including nail care
exercise, moving the affected area helps move the lymphatic fluid
maintaining a healthy weight
massage therapy (manual lymphatic drainage, if needed)
If you talk to your doctor about getting a Management Plan, you can be referred to an Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner and may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to five sessions from approved allied health professionals. You can also ask your oncology team about what services are available.
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