References

BMJ Best Practice. Lymphoedema. 2022. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/610 (accessed 14 February 2025)

Cemal Y, Jewell S, Albornoz CR, Pusic A, Mehrara BJ Systematic review of quality of life and patient reported outcomes in patients with oncologic related lower extremity lymphedema. Lymphat Res Biol. 2013; 11:(1)14-19 https://doi.org/10.1089/lrb.2012.0015

Cho KA, Cheng MH, Shih WM, Chen SC Factors associated with health-related quality of life in gynaecologic cancer survivors with lower limb lymphedema: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan. BMC Womens Health. 2023; 23:(1) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02340-0

Jørgensen MG, Toyserkani NM, Hansen FG, Bygum A, Sørensen JA The impact of lymphedema on health-related quality of life up to 10 years after breast cancer treatment. NPJ Breast Cancer. 2021; 7:(1) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41523-021-00276-y

Keeley VL, Veigas D, Crooks S The development of a condition-specific quality of life measure for lymphoedema (LYMQOL). Eur J Lymphol. 2004; 12:(41)

Landers A, Holyoake J Lymphoedema in advanced cancer: does subcutaneous needle drainage improve quality of life? BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2022; 12:(e6)e821-e825 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001924

Lim P, Li H, Neoh D, Ng SK Health-related quality of life measurement tools for lymphedema: a review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022; 10:(4) https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004276

World Health Organization. Lymphatic filariasis. 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lymphatic-filariasis (accessed 14 February 2025)

Supporting patients with lymphoedema: the role of healthcare professionals in improving health-related quality of life

02 March 2025
Volume 30 · Issue 3

Abstract

The article provides a brief overview of quality of life in patients with lymphoedema and expands on specific aspects of living with the condition, such as physical, emotional and social impacts. Lymphoedema has an impact on body image and mental health, which put the responsibility on healthcare professionals to assist the patient in dealing with the emotional and psychological aspects of lymphoedema. Managing the symptoms and using the best-suited compression garments is essential to improve overall health-related quality of life. The authors suggests methods and ways for clinicians and nurses to help their patients in all areas of lymphoedema management.

Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling of tissue caused by disruption to the normal functioning of the lymphatic system. It may be developmental (primary lymphoedema) or acquired (secondary lymphoedema). The body's extremities, such as an arm or a leg, are the most commonly affected areas (BMJ Best Practice, 2022). Globally, the most prevalent cause of secondary lymphoedema is a filarial nematode infection, affecting nearly 657 million people in 39 countries worldwide (World Health Organization, 2024). However, this is rare in developed countries and secondary lymphoedema is more often a result of malignancy.

Both primary and secondary lymphoedema affect the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple ways. There are several physical, emotional and mental impacts of lymphoedema, and these often vary depending on the severity of the condition.

The pain experienced by patients with lymphoedema can restrict mobility and activities of daily living, such as washing and dressing. Skin is significantly affected by the condition as it becomes hardened and is vulnerable to cellulitis. The nature of the chronic swelling with no realistic cure becomes increasingly restrictive over time, causing chronic discomfort and fatigue. The secondary physical effects of lymphoedema originate from decreased mobility and a lack of physical activity.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Community Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for district and community nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to clinical or professional articles

  • New content and clinical newsletter updates each month