Lymphoedema

Referrals

The Lymphoedema service at St Francis Hospice Dublin provides individualised assessment and management of lymphoedema for palliative patients under the care of St Francis Hospice. Referrals to the service are accepted from St Francis Hospice Community Palliative Care, Hospice Day Care and the In Patient Unit. Referrals are not accepted for patients who are not under the care of St Francis Hospice.

 

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is oedema (swelling caused by a build-up of fluid) which can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly occurs in arms or legs. It is most frequently caused by disruption of the lymphatic system following cancer surgery, radiation therapy or tumour growth.

Oedema, which is not due to lymphoedema but as a result of other diseases, can also occur in patients.

Lymphoedema Therapy

Lymphoedema is not curable but can be managed, depending on the level of oedema present. In St Francis Hospice, treatment mainly includes the application of compression garments. Depending on the level of lymphoedema or the location of the oedema, some patients receive specialised massage called Manual Lymph Drainage along with compression bandaging.

 

Is the treatment necessary?

In most cases, lymphoedema or oedema will continue to worsen if not treated.

Why have the treatments?

Treatments can help to reduce swelling, relieve pain and improve limb mobility. It can improve quality of life for patients.

Raheny

Phone:
(01) 8327535
Fax:
(01) 8327635
Email:
info@sfh.ie

Blanchardstown

Phone:
(01) 8294000
Fax:
(01) 8294099
Email:
info@sfh.ie

Company Registration No: 153874
Charity Number: CHY10568
Charity Regulatory Authority Number: 20027193

go2web_icon.png

full screen background image