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CHECK UP
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MISSED A PROGRAMME?
Go to the Listen Again page |
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PROGRAMME INFO |
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Check Up is your chance to talk to doctors about the health issues that most concern you and your family. Each week Barbara Myers is joined by a medical expert to take your calls and emails on a particular topic and give you the most up to date advice. No appointment necessary.
Call 0870 010 0444
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Contact Check Up |
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LISTEN AGAIN Ìý30 min |
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PRESENTER |
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"There is no substitute for one-to-one advice from aÌýtop medical expert and that's what we offer our callers and emailers. But for each person who calls to ask for help, someone else phones in to pass on a tip or a suggestion -Ìýit's a great programme to present."
Barbara Myers |
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PROGRAMME DETAILS |
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 Full programme transcript >>
Lymphoedema
A fluid swelling that’s chronic, persisting for months, in any part of the body is likely to be a lymphoedema.
Although thought to be relatively uncommon it is estimated that at least 100,000 people in the UK have lymphoedema.
It occurs when the lymphatic system, which isÌýresponsible for draining waste materials away from the tissues, stops working properly.
When the lymphatic system is damaged, fluids accumulate in the tissues, causing swelling. If left untreated, the swelling can become hard and extremely painful.
It can affect any part of the body but most commonly occurs on the limbs.
Lymphoedema can be a distressing side effect of surgery for cancer, of the breast or prostate for example, when lymph nodes are removed.
Likewise, radiotherapy can cause scar tissue which can damage the lymphatic system.
However, three-quarters of lymphoedemas occur in patients that have not had cancer.
Injury, reduced mobility and problems with the veins can all increase your risk of developing it.
Because the lymphatic system is not well understood, lymphoedema has been misdiagnosed as a sprained ankle, water retention or swelling from an allergic reaction.Ìý
While lymphodema is not curable, there's a great deal that can be done to help, particularly if the condition is caught early. Skin care, compression stockings, exercise and massage can all help to reduce moderate swelling.
But treatment needs to be tailored to the individual. Severe swellings need a more intensive treatment programme. Compression and massage can help, but how effective is drug therapy or surgery?
Barbara Myers puts your questions about the lymphoedema and how to manage it to Peter Mortimer, Professor of Dermatological Medicine to the University of London at St George’s and the Royal Marsden Hospitals, London.
Please contact the programme with your questions or comments on 08700-100-444 on the day of broadcast or e-mail using the Contact Check Up link above.
Next week: hair |
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RELATED LINKS
Radio 4 Woman's Hour: Lymphoedema
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