ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the chronic condition of lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is the accumulation of lymph in the soft tissues, secondary to a disruption in lymphatic drainage. The most commonly seen situation is lymphoedema of the arm following lymph node dissection and radiotherapy for breast cancer, with an incidence of about 40%. The possible causes of lymphoedema are: abdominal or pelvic masses, breast surgery, radiotherapy, causing fibrosis and tumour recurrence. Lymph node damage by surgery and/or radiotherapy results in reduced drainage of fluid and protein from the distal parts of the affected limb. To minimise the time for which the limb is left undressed, all staff involved in reviewing the patient's progress should liaise with each other and agree suitable times for assessing the limb.
