Lymphoedema is the term used to describe chronic, protein rich swelling that can occur anywhere in the body, but most commonly affects the limbs.
Lymphoedema can be classified as Primary or Secondary, depending on the cause.
Primary Lymphoedema may be present at birth, develop at puberty or in mid-life, and relates to abnormal functioning of the lymphatic system.
Secondary lymphoedema may occur following treatment for cancer, surgery, radiation therapy, recurrent infections or trauma.

Lymphoedema is not totally curable, but it can be controlled and managed so that it has little or no effect on what you can do.

If lymphoedema is left untreated, there is a risk that it may worsen over time.