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Cancer and their treatments can sometimes cause swelling in the tissues under the skin.

It can affect the arms, legs or other parts of the body. This is called lymphoedema. It may develop months or years after cancer treatment.

The information on this page will help you to find out more about cancer-related lymphoedema, its prevention and management.

What is lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is long term swelling of the body’s tissues. If you have cancer that needs treatment involving the lymph nodes, swelling of the tissue under your skin may develop. It most commonly affects an arm or leg. Other areas of the body can also develop lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is a side effect that can occur weeks, months or sometimes years after treatment. It is useful to know what to look out for. If the symptoms are treated early, it can help prevent further problems.

People being treated for certain types of cancer are more at risk of developing lymphoedema. This includes breast, gynaecological, pelvic, and head and neck surgery and radiotherapy, particularly if lymph nodes have been removed or damaged.

Sometimes the cancer itself can block lymphatic drainage.

Lymphoedema shouldn’t be confused with temporary swelling that can happen in the first few days post surgery. 

Symptoms of lymphoedema

Symptoms of lymphoedema can include swelling, heaviness and aching of the affected area. For example, someone who has had lymph glands removed from their armpit may experience swelling of the fingers, hands or arms.

Managing lymphoedema

There are a number of things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema. These include:

• good skin care, such as washing and drying carefully and using a non-perfumed moisturiser. Rather than shaving the area, consider using a hair removal cream to help prevent cuts to the skin.
• avoid extremes of temperature for any length of time
• protect your skin, wearing a high factor sun tan lotion or preferably covering the area when out in the sun. The skin is sensitive, and can easily burn
• if your arm needs protecting, wear gardening gloves whilst tending your plants and use an oven glove to protect your hand from a burn
• insect repellent can help prevent bites, and watch out for pet’s teeth and claws
• maintaining a healthy weight, as being overweight can be a risk factor for lymphoedema
• if possible avoid blood tests, injections and tight blood pressure cuffs on the affected limb. The aim is to prevent any breaks or damage to the skin that may lead to an infection
• exercise, as keeping yourself moving with gentle exercise helps keep the circulation active, including the lymphatic system
• look out for signs of local infection. If you notice you have a cut, scratch or insect bite then wash it well and apply antiseptic cream. If you see any redness, heat, swelling or pain then let your doctor know, as you may need antibiotics

For some people, lymphoedema still develops. If you notice swelling, heaviness or aching in a limb or in an area where you have had cancer treatment, contact your GP or healthcare team, as early diagnosis can help it developing further. You are likely to be referred to a specialist lymphoedema clinic for treatment.

Lymphoedema treatment

For early lymphoedema, the aim of treatment is to reduce the swelling, help prevent infection, and encourage healthy eating and exercise. You’ll be given a series of exercises to help with movement and to ease symptoms.

The specialist nurse will teach you gentle massage/manual drainage to help reduce the swelling.  

You may be fitted with a compression garment by a lymphoedema specialist, such as a sleeve, glove or stocking, depending on which area is affected. This helps reduce the swelling and encourage drainage. 

For more severe lymphoedema, you may have a more intensive treatment programme involving use of lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, physiotherapy, and skin care.

Emotional impact of lymphoedema

Coping with the feelings around lymphoedema can be hard. It’s a daily reminder of your cancer and its treatment. You may feel self conscious wearing the compression garments, or that your limb is swollen. 

Talking about your feelings can help you feel less alone - knowing that others are going through the same experience. Joining a support group and visiting your nearest Maggie51É«APP™s centre can help you address the feelings you may be experiencing.

You can also learn about exercise, relaxation, stress management and healthy eating so that you are able to help control the physical and emotional impact of lymphoedema.

When to seek further help

If you develop signs of infection in that area including heat, warmth, redness, swelling, or have a raised temperature, let your GP, specialist nurse or hospital team know. You may need antibiotics.

Living with lymphoedema can sometimes trigger feelings of depression and low self esteem. If this is happening, tell your doctor about how you feel. They understand the emotions you’re experiencing, and can refer you on for further support.

What now?

• Have a look at the links on this page to find out more about lymphoedema and cancer.
• Talk with others about what you are experiencing. It can help to hear that what you’re feeling is not unusual, and help you feel less alone. 
• Just come in to your nearest Maggie51É«APP™s centre to talk to our professional teams and connect with others in a similar position to yourself.

Last review: May 2026 | Next review: May 2029