Episode 6: Lymphoedema

In Episode 6 of The Mad Englishman with the Little Guitar and the Big 'C', Mick talks about his experience of lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema is swelling that develops because of a build-up of lymph fluid in the body’s tissues. The lymphatic system usually drains the fluid away. Lymphoedema happens when the lymphatic system is not working properly. This may be because it is damaged by cancer, or treatment such as surgery or radiotherapy.
Lymphoedema can develop months or even years after cancer treatment. It can happen anywhere in the body, but the most common place for lymphoedema to develop is the arm or leg. It can also happen in the chest, head and neck, or genitals.
Not all swelling is lymphoedema. Something else, like a blood clot, could be causing the swelling. You may need tests to find out what is causing it. The tests you have will depend on what part of the body is swollen. You may have scans, to see whether a cancer that is affecting the lymph nodes is causing the lymphoedema.
Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will advise whether you are at risk of lymphoedema. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of lymphoedema developing, and they can show you how to check for any changes. They can also refer you to your local lymphoedema service for assessment.
Your lymphoedema specialist may suggest simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) as part of your lymphoedema treatment. This is a simplified version of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). It is sometimes called self-lymphatic drainage.
It is important that you learn these techniques from a lymphoedema specialist before you start. They will show you how to massage the area where you do not have lymphoedema. This helps to make some space for the fluid to drain into from the swollen area. They can also show a friend or relative how to do it.
Usually, you do not massage the swollen area.
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