Lymphoedema and cancer
An infection can make the swelling (lymphoedema) worse.
Treating an infection early can stop it becoming a more serious problem. Tell your healthcare team immediately about any symptoms. Even if it turns out that you don’t have an infection it’s better to find out as soon as possible.
Most people have a mix of feelings when they find they have lymphoedema. After treatment, people are often glad that they have got through it. But it can also feel very unfair to have to cope with a treatment side effect. You might have a range of feelings including fear, sadness, anxiety, and depression.
We have information to help support you to cope with cancer and cancer treatments.
Last reviewed: 21 Apr 2023
Next review due: 21 Apr 2026
Caring for your skin is important when you have swelling (lymphoedema). There are several things you can do to protect your skin.
Research helps us to find out more about conditions such as lymphoedema. Researchers are looking at what reduces the risk of developing lymphoedema and different ways of managing it.
Lymphoedema can affect you emotionally, physically, and practically. There are ways that you can help yourself and you can also get support from other people.
There are lots of organisations, support groups and helpful books to help you cope with lymphoedema caused by cancer or its treatment.
Lymphoedema is swelling of a part of the body. It can be caused by some cancers and their treatment.
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