Posted: 22:01, September 17, 2022 | Updated: 23:59, 17 September 2022
Thousands of cancer patients suffering from unsightly swelling of their arms and legs are missing out on life-changing treatments because of the NHS postcode lottery, senior doctors have warned. The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (Bapras) has called for more NHS patients to have access to cutting-edge surgery to eliminate lymphoedema – a condition where fluid collects in parts of the body, often causing limbs to swell to twice their normal size size. Lymphoedema currently affects around 400,000 people in the UK. Many cases are due to cancers that damage the lymph nodes – tiny bean-shaped nodules throughout the body that filter fluids to break down bacteria and germs. The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (Bapras) has called for more NHS patients to have access to cutting-edge surgery to eliminate lymphoedema – a condition where fluid collects in parts of the body, often causing limbs to swell to twice their normal size size Lymphoedema currently affects around 400,000 people in the UK Some cancer patients need these nodes removed if cancer cells have already spread to them, and treatments such as radiation therapy can damage them, causing fluid to build up. Swollen limbs can leave some sufferers struggling to get dressed, put on their shoes, or even do everyday tasks like washing and shopping. Current NHS treatment relies mainly on regular massages to disperse the fluid, and patients often have to wear uncomfortable compression stockings or sleeves – in many cases for the rest of their lives – to help push excess fluid around the system. While surgery offers a permanent solution to the problem, only a few NHS authorities are willing to fund it. The surgery involves a procedure called a vascularized lymph node transfer, in which healthy nodes from other parts of the body are moved to the affected areas. While surgery offers a permanent solution to the problem faced by around 400,000 cancer patients, only a few NHS authorities are willing to fund it (stock photo) “Procedures like this have proven benefits but are not routinely offered or funded on the NHS,” says Ruth Waters, Bapras chair and consultant plastic surgeon. “Some patients are able to secure individual NHS funding and in some areas access may be better than others. “But there is an urgent need for better information and access to treatment for the public.” With surgery, Waters says, patients “recover faster, get back to work and can live life to the fullest, post-cancer.”
