Investigation and management of lymphoedema
Abstract
Investigation and management of lymphoedema SAGE Publications, Inc.1990DOI: 10.1177/1358836X9000100102 PSMortimer Consultant Dermatologist, St George's Hospital and Royal Marsden Hospital, London Address for correspondence: PS Mortimer, Consultant Dermatologist, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Rd, London SW17 0QT, UK. Investigation and management of lymphoedema Lymphoedema is a rather neglected condition which, once diagnosed, is frequently dismissed because 'there is nothing that can be done for it'. It is considered rare, and as a nonfatal and harmless condition does not command the attention or research interest that problems relating to the blood circulation do, for example. Lymphoedema manifests as tissue swelling (oedema) usually of a limb. Limb oedema is, however, a common medical problem. Lymphatic involvement in many forms of chronic oedema is underestimated, an attitude which stems mainly from a lack of investigative techniques, and also from a lack of interest in the lymphatic system. What is lymphoedema? Lymphoedema is defined as tissue swelling due to a failure of lymph drainage. The chief function of the lymphatics is the clearance of protein and other macromolecules from the tissues, with the water content of lymph acting essentially as a vehicle for the particles. Therefore, the main abnormality in lymphoedema is the accumulation