Lymphoedema Clinic
Welcome to the Lymphoedema Clinic
The Lymphoedema Service is based in the Woodside Clinic within the grounds of St Catherine’s Hospice and is part of our commitment to providing high quality care that eases discomfort and improves quality of life. We treat cancer and non-cancer related lymphoedema.
Our team of Lymphoedema nurse specialists are trained to provide people with all the information they need to understand and manage symptoms with a range of therapies tailored to suit the needs of each person. We provide services for children and adults.
What is Lymphoedema?
A colourless fluid that is present in everyone’s body, Lymph fluid normally drains into the blood circulation through a network of vessels and lymph nodes, which act as filter stations.
The lymph nodes are a vital defence against infection, removing excess protein, dead or abnormal cells and bacteria from the blood stream. If the lymphatic system stops working properly, the accumulation of Lymph in the body’s tissues causes the swelling known as Lymphoedema.
There are two types of Lymphoedema: primary Lymphoedema, which is often hereditary and may be caused by a faulty lymph system; and secondary Lymphoedema, which can occur as a result of cancer treatments, surgery, trauma or infection.
