The lymphatic system is part of our immune system, which helps manage infections, remove waste products from tissues and balance fluid in the body. We have lymph vessels and nodes all around our body.
As part of surgery for womb cancer, some of these lymph nodes may be removed from the abdomen to check if the cancer has spread there. For some people the lymphatic system doesn’t recover and work properly after treatment for womb cancer. This can lead to swelling in the pelvic area and/or legs that doesn’t go away. We don’t know why lymphoedema affects some people and not others after lymph node removal but there are risk factors such as having radiotherapy after surgery, or having a higher BMI.
The risks of developing lymphoedema can be reduced through weight management, movement and exercise and preventing infection in the at-risk areas, the pelvic area and legs. The lymphatic system is involved with managing infections, so if it has been damaged through surgery there is more risk of skin infections. Getting an infection, such as cellulitis can trigger swelling in the pelvic area and legs.
Good skin care in these areas can reduce the risk of infection:
avoid sun burn, insect bites, tattoos, use an electric razor or cream to remove leg hair rather that razors or waxing, moisturise legs to avoid dry, cracked skin and take care when cutting toenails.
Some swelling is common following surgery for womb cancer, and this usually settles within 4 – 6 weeks. If you are worried about persistent swelling contact your CNS or medical team. They can arrange a referral to a lymphoedema specialist team for assessment and on-going management if required. Symptoms can be managed with compression garments, good skin care, weight management, movement and manual lymph drainage massage.
The Lymphoedema Support Network provide information, support, self-management videos.
You may also find the Peaches video co-hosted with the Lymphoedema Support Network helpful:
An overview of lymphoedema
Peaches will be looking at more issues affecting life after womb cancer, these will include:
- Ongoing pain and discomfort
- Ongoing changes to bowel and bladder habits
- Loss of libido and impact on sex life
- Loss of pelvic floor muscle strength and incontinence
Previous articles:
Menopause and Womb Cancer
Talking Therapy
