The lymphoedema service at UCLH provides a comprehensive service including assessment, diagnosis, conservative treatment and management of cancer-related lymphoedema. 

The service is clinically led by Carla Zanichelli Vives (lymphoedema specialist physiotherapist). There is also a lymphoedema specialist physiotherapist and a lymphoedema clinical nurse specialist in the team.

We do not currently offer a service for children under the age of 13 years. 

Service hours are Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. 

General enquiries

Address

Lymphoedema service
University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
1st Floor Central
Cancer Services
250 Euston Road
London, NW1 2PG

Other referral information

Click here to download our referral form.

Completed referral forms should be emailed to: uclh.lymphoedema.service@nhs.net

Overview of the service

  • The service is led by Carla Zanichelli Vives (lymphoedema specialist physiotherapist)
  • The lymphoedema team consists of two lymphoedema specialist physiotherapists and one lymphoedema clinical nurse specialist
  • The service provides assessment, diagnosis, conservative treatment and ongoing management of cancer-related lymphoedema. At present we do not provide a service for children under the age of 13 who have lymphoedema. 
  • The lymphoedema clinic is located on the lower ground floor of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre. 
  • The service operates from Monday to Friday for new patient consultations, follow-up appointments, intensive treatments, and inpatient assessment and management of lymphoedema. 

Referral criteria

Patients with cancer-related lymphoedema who have a GP within the local boroughs. 

If there is a local lymphoedema service, referrers will be instructed to refer the patient to that service for assessment and management.

Contact details

Lymphoedema service administrator: 020 3447 3925
Email: uclh.lymphoedema.service@nhs.net

Referral address

Internal: via Epic 

External: email to uclh.lymphoedema.service@nhs.net 

Or by post to: 

Lymphoedema Service 
Cancer Services Directorate
University College Hospital
1st Floor Central Wing 
250 Euston Road
London
NW1 2PG 

Lymphoedema is a swelling in any part of the body. It is caused by lymph fluid not draining from the body. It is due to failure in the lymph drainage in the area affected. It can affect any part of the body. Lymphoedema is divided into primary or secondary lymphoedema depending on the cause. At UCLH we see people who have secondary lymphoedema which has happened after cancer treatment such as surgery or radiotherapy. 

Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition. It may get worse over time if it’s not cared for well. So, life-long personal care is important. Lymphoedema can’t be cured. But the aim of treatment and care is to reduce and control the swelling.

Each persons’ lymphoedema is different. A treatment plan will be decided after your assessment. At the appointment, you’ll be shown how to manage and control the swelling.

You may need daily intensive treatment for some time. This will be given by a specialist lymphoedema practitioner. Treatment at UCLH is in line with internationally established conservative management of lymphoedema. The focus of treatment is to:

  • reduce and control the swelling
  • improve the skin and tissue changes
  • teach and empower people to control and manage their lymphoedema

The demand for our service is steadily increasing, and therefore there are criteria around referrals to the service. 

The Lymphoedema Support Network is a registered charity and the UK's national patient support organisation for lymphoedema. 

Support and information telephone line: 020 7351 4480

Leg exercises for lymphoedema

Exercises for head and neck lymphoedema

Deep breathing for lymphoedema

Arm exercises for lymphoedema