Lymphoedema Clinic

As a result of increasing success rates in modern methods of cancer treatment, more and more patients are finding themselves in need of lymphoedema therapy and care.

There are estimated to be a hundred thousand people living with chronic oedema in the UK. The number is growing as more and more people survive cancer for longer without a lymphatic system - which leaves them vulnerable to painful swelling and serious infection.

One person who knows this better than anyone is Brid Hindley, who has been a physiotherapist at the Hospice for more than eight years. She has been successful in establishing a lymphoedema clinic at the Hospice - a joint venture between Stalybridge Clinic and Willow Wood Hospice. The service has been commissioned by the Primary Health Care Trust.

"We have been pushing for a lymphoedema clinic since Willow Wood first opened" said Brid, who is a key worker in the treatment of lymphoedema. "We'll have two clinics here and two in Stalybridge. These clinics are going to make a huge difference to quality of life for those people suffering from lymphoedema. Some people have been living with this condition for a long time and it will be good for them to know that they are not on their own."

"Lymphoedema is a chronic illness that causes swelling, usually to the legs or arms." added Brid. "Socially, it can be very difficult for some people to live with, and it can affect their mobility."

Brid explained there are two types of lymphoedema - primary and secondary. Primary lymphoedema occurs because the lymphatic system has not formed properly. Secondary lymphoedema may be caused by cancer or following treatment. It can occur if the lymph nodes are blocked with cancer or if they have been removed by surgery. Radiotherapy can also cause lymphoedema via a build-up of scar tissue within the lymph nodes, but not everyone who has radiotherapy will get lymphoedema.

Treatment at the clinic will include the application of compression, using multi-layer bandages and hosiery, massage to assist with dispersal of fluid (lymphatic drainage) and advice on skin care and exercise. People suffering from lymphoedema can be referred by their GP, consultant, specialist nurse or allied health professional. Initially all referrals are through the Stalybridge Centre in writing, or by fax (0161 303 1760).