Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is characterised by swelling of certain parts of the body, caused by problems with the lymphatic system. Normally, fluid and proteins leak into the body tissues regularly, from the blood. This tissue fluid bathes the cells, supplies their nutritional needs and receives back the products of their metabolism.
The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains this fluid (called lymph) from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. When this system is not working properly, lymphoedema can occur.
Any part of the body can be affected by lymphoedema, but it tends to target the arms and legs. Around 300,000 Australians will experience lymphoedema at any given time.
Women who have undergone mastectomy and radiotherapy for treatment of breast cancer are particularly susceptible to lymphoedema of the arm and, sometimes, the adjacent chest wall on the affected side.