Lymphoedema
The Lymphoedema Service is based in the Therapy Department, at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. We are currently unable to offer this service elsewhere in Cornwall. The service is provided by experienced Occupational Therapists with specialist qualifications in lymphoedema management, with the support of a Lymphoedema Technician.
We will see patients with oedema that has been present for more than three months or is related to cancer and its treatment. This includes:
Primary lymphoedema
Due to the underdevelopment or failure of the lymphatic system. It may develop without any obvious cause at different stages in life, but particularly in adolescence and during the menopause.
Secondary lymphoedema
As the result of some problem outside of the lymphatic system that prevents it working properly such as cancer and treatment for cancer, surgery, injury or infection, reduced mobility / paralysis, obesity and problems with veins such as varicose veins.
Lipoedema
An adipose tissue disorder that is characterised by abnormal fat deposition of the lower limbs and tenderness.
For more information on lymphoedema, you may find this short video useful.
How we can help
Treatments may include:
- Skin care
- Exercise
- Weight management
- Compression garments
- Multi- layer lymphoedema bandaging – to improve the shape and size of severe swelling
- Simple lymphatic drainage ‐ a skin moving technique similar to massage
- Manual lymphatic drainage ‐ a more intense specialist massage technique
- Kinesio Taping
- Intermittent Pneumatic Compression therapy
What to expect at your first appointment
You may be asked to get onto a couch to enable the therapist to assess you. If you have difficulty getting in and out of a chair or bed, or need special equipment to help you, please let the clinic know before you come to your appointment.
If you think you would like someone else to be present, you are welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer or ask us to provide a chaperone for you.
At the end of your initial assessment we will agree a treatment plan. We’ll rarely start treatment at this initial appointment and you’ll need to return to the clinic for further appointments.
Directions to the Lymphoedema Unit
Find out more about coming to the Royal Cornwall Hospital
Referrals to the Lymphoedema Service
Further sources of information on Lymphoedema and Lipoedema
Patient Information Leaflets
Websites with information on lymphoedema
- Lymphoedema Support Network
- Information from Breast Cancer Care
- Information from Macmillan Cancer Support
- Lymphoedema information on NHS Choices
- British Lymphology Society
- MLD UK (Professional association of manual lymphatic drainage practitioners).
Websites with information on lipoedema
- Lipoedema UK
- Talk Lipoedema
- Lipoedema information on NHS Choices
- British Lymphology Society
- MLD UK (Professional association of manual lymphatic drainage practitioners).
