Lymphoedema Service

Lymphoedema is swelling due to excess accumulation of fluid in the tissues caused by inadequate lymphatic drainage. It can affect any part of the body, but most commonly affects the arms and legs.

Lymphoedema can be classified as primary or secondary.

• Primary lymphoedema is due to a congenital abnormality of the lymphatic system.
• Secondary lymphoedema is due to damage/obstruction of the lymphatic system.

The Priscilla Bacon Centre service is for patients with secondary lymphoedema and for palliative care patients with any type of oedema.

Although the service is primarily based at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, where the clinical specialist in lymphoedema is also based, some patients may be seen at other locations. At present these are at Hoveton, Dereham Hospital, Lawson Road Health Centre and Adelaide Street Health Centre, Norwich.

Intervention may include the following:

• Education, advice and encouragement on self management of the lymphoedema
• Advice on exercise
• Involvement of relatives/carers
• Information and advice, both verbal and written, regarding skin care, exercise and simple self lymphatic limb drainage
• Regular monitoring of limb volume and limb condition
• Provision of compression garments as required/needed
• Lymphoedema bandaging and manual lymphatic drainage where appropriate