Written by Dr Grainne Sheill, Clinical Specialist in Cancer Rehabilitation and Kelly Coghlan, Senior Physiotherapist, Early Detection Lymphoedema
Cancer related lymphoedema is a chronic, progressive condition resulting from failure of the lymphatic system to drain fluid and proteins from tissue throughout the body and return it to the circulatory system. Lymphoedema usually affects a limb and can cause discomfort, pain, heaviness, limited motion, unsatisfactory appearance and impacts on quality of life. Cancer related lymphoedema is a well know side effect of surgery chemotherapy, radiation therapy and endocrine therapies, impacting up to 1490 new breast, gynaecological, melanoma, prostate and bladder cancers in Ireland annually. Over 15,000 people in Ireland are living with lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is progressive and if not treated, will become more complex with build up of fluid causing skin changes and reduced function which can lead to higher healthcare costs and hospitalization due to cellulitis.
For verified healthcare professionals
Log in or register for free to read this article. HPN is for healthcare professionals, so new accounts are verified by our team.
