This page explains what to expect after you have been referred to the Lymphoedema Service at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) for a video or telephone appointment.
If you have any questions about your appointment or information on this page, please 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 and cannot work properly.
Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but it can usually be improved and controlled with the right care.
Not all swelling is lymphoedema. Usually, the swelling needs to be 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 if needed.
Who are the lymphoedema team?
The lymphoedema team consists of qualified healthcare professionals who specialise in assessing, treating and managing lymphoedema.
Please note that we can only see patients who have suspected or confirmed lymphoedema caused by cancer or cancer treatment.
What happens once I have been offered a video or telephone appointment?
You will receive an appointment letter confirming the date and time of your appointment.
If you are having a video appointment, the letter will explain how to join. If you don’t have a copy of the letter, or if you have any questions about your video appointment, please contact us.
What do I need to prepare for my appointment?
Please have ready:
- a list of your medicines, as we will ask about your medical history
- any compression garments you have already been prescribed
You are also welcome to have a family member, friend or carer join you for your video or telephone appointment.
What will happen at the first appointment?
Your first appointment will take about 1 hour.
During the appointment, we will ask you some questions to find out the causes of the swelling. We will talk to you about lymphoedema in more detail and work with you to develop a care plan.
What happens after the appointment?
We will write to you and your GP with details of your care plan.
Depending on your needs, we may offer you a follow-up appointment or refer you to a lymphoedema service local to you.
Interpreting and communication support
We can arrange an interpreter for both video and telephone appointments if you speak little or no English, are deaf or hard of hearing, or need communication support.
Telephone interpreting is available in over 170 languages and dialects. If this is not suitable, we can arrange for an interpreter, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or DeafBlind Communicator to join your video appointment.
For more information, visit our Interpreting services page.
Contact us
Email: uclh.
Telephone: 020 3447 3925
Email: uclh.
We are available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays). We will aim to respond as soon as possible, usually on the same or next working day.
Call your GP or NHS 111 if:
- you need urgent medical assessment
- the swelling suddenly gets worse
- you notice signs of infection in the swollen area, such as redness, warmth, pain or discomfort
Services
Page last updated: 16 February 2026
Review due: 01 February 2028
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