Lymphoedema

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is defined as the excessive accumulation of tissue fluid (or 'lymph') that results from impaired lymphatic drainage and the term 'lymphoedema' should be confined to describing oedema in patients in whom a lymphatic abnormality has been confirmed.

Lymphoedema can affect anyone at any age and can affect any part of the body. Although it is not life-threatening it can be very distressing and can become a major physical and social problem. There is no cure at present, but with appropriate treatment and the patients co-operation it can be kept under control.

What are lymphatic vessels?

These are tiny vessels, which, under normal circumstances, remove the tissue fluid that is constantly leaking out of the other small blood vessels, and return it back into the circulation. Lymph is collected from the arms, legs, trunk and body cavities by a complex network of lymphatics and is returned back into the circulation via a larger lymphatic (the thoracic duct) in the base of the neck.

What areas of the body can be affected by lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema principally involves the legs (80%), although the arms, genitalia and face can also be affected.

How common is lymphoedema?

It is difficult to be sure of the precise incidence of this condition but it is thought to affect about 500 million people worldwide and about 2% of the population in the United Kingdom.