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This page explains what you can expect after you have been referred to the Lymphoedema Service at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) for a face-to-face appointment. If you have any questions about your appointment or information on this page, speak to the team caring for you.
What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a swelling which can affect any part of the body. It develops when part of the lymphatic system is damaged, affecting its ability to work properly. Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but it can be improved and controlled.
Not all swelling is lymphoedema. Usually the swelling is present for three months or more before lymphoedema is considered or diagnosed. However, your nurse or doctor may refer you to the Lymphoedema Service earlier than this.
Who are the lymphoedema team?
The lymphoedema team consists of qualified healthcare professionals who specialise in the assessment, treatment and management of lymphoedema.
Please note that we can only see patients who have suspected or confirmed lymphoedema as a result of cancer or cancer treatment.
What happens once I have been offered an appointment?
You will receive an appointment letter, confirming the date and time of your appointment.
If your appointment has been booked over the phone but your letter does not arrive in time, please come to your appointment without it.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- A list of your medicines. We will ask you about your medical history.
- Compression garments, if they have already been prescribed.
Arriving for your appointment
The lymphoedema clinic is located on the lower ground floor of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AG.
When you arrive at the Cancer Centre, please check in at one of the check-in kiosks or at the main reception desk on the ground floor.
When your appointment is due, your name will appear on the screen, advising you where to go. If you would prefer not to have your name on the screen, please let the main reception desk staff know. They can give you an alternative name of your choice.
What will happen at the first appointment?
Your first appointment will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
During the appointment, we will examine you to find out the causes of the swelling.
We will discuss your lymphoedema in more detail and develop a care plan with you. Please note that we may not start treatment at your first appointment.
What happens after the appointment?
We will write to you and your GP about your care plan. Depending on what you need, we may offer you a further appointment or refer you to a clinic local to you.
How to get to the Cancer Centre
The Cancer Centre is located in the Congestion Charging and Ultra Low Emission (ULEZ) zones and does not have allocated parking. However, there are good public transport links to the Cancer Centre. For travel information, and information on blue badge and disabled parking, please visit the Cancer Centre web page.
If you are medically unfit to travel by public transport and cannot travel another way,
you may qualify for hospital transport. If this is your first appointment at UCLH, please contact your GP to arrange this. Alternatively, you can contact the UCLH transport assessment team on 020 3456 7010 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).
Interpreting service
If you speak little or no English, are deaf, hard of hearing, or need communication support, we can arrange interpreting services. This can be over the phone or face-to-face.
Contact us
Telephone/answerphone: 020 3447 3925
Email: uclh.
We are available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays). We will aim to contact you as soon as we can, usually the same or the next working day.
Call your GP or NHS 111 if:
- you need urgent medical assessment
- there is a sudden increase in swelling
- you notice any signs of infection in the swollen area, such as redness, heat and pain or discomfort.
Services
Page last updated: 17 July 2024
Review due: 01 December 2025