The Bandaging

Lymphoedema, swelling of the limbs due to poor lymph circulation, occurs in a small number of women after they have undergone treatment for breast cancer.

For these women, the treatment necessary for the cancer has also affected their lymph nodes and therefore the efficient functioning of their lymphatic system. This can result in a noticeable, sometimes uncomfortable, swelling in one or both arms. It may occur shortly after the cancer treatment or after an interval of many years. When it does occur, its visibility is often particularly distressing for an already emotionally vulnerable patient concerned about her appearance.
 

Treatment for Lymphoedema is more about management of the condition, in an attempt to reduce the swelling, rather than being able to offer a cure. Current practice consists in applying Manual Lymphatic Drainage, which is a form of light touch massage designed to stimulate the lymph flow, and pressure bandaging intended to achieve the same end result. Both these treatments are repeated at regular intervals and the improved lymph circulation then leads to a reduction in the swelling.

These images show this treatment. They pay particular attention to the bandaging process. They are not meant to be textbook illustrations but are intended to convey the gentleness and care, so important to the patient, with which the complex multi-layered bandaging is carried out.
 

Thanks are given to the Cancerkin Centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Len Salem
 

Lem Salem - RPS Contemporary Group Portfolio

images © Lem Salem