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    The content on this page is not current guidance and is only for the purposes of the consultation process.

    Indications and current treatment

    LE is the build-up of lymph fluid in a limb, causing swelling of that limb. It is a common complication after treatments for various cancers, and can be chronic and debilitating. The condition can severely damage the skin of, and cause aching in or difficulty moving the affected limb. There can also be recurrent skin infections, needing frequent antibiotic use and sometimes hospitalisation.

    There are no curative treatments but there are various treatments to help control the symptoms of LE. They aim to reduce swelling and infection while improving lymphatic flow in the body, and include:

    • DLT, which comprises compression garments, manual lymphatic draining, skin care, exercise and massage done with specialist help or alone by the person with LE

    • the 2 surgical techniques, liposuction and LVA.