When you first notice any signs or symptoms of lymphoedema, your general practitioner or a nurse is usually the one you refer to. The basic diagnostics for lymphoedema focus on your medical history and the physical exam of your body. Your general practitioner or a nurse will probably refer you to a specialist for lymphoedema to interpret the results or confirm the diagnosis.
Physicians or nurses should have a specific training and the appropriate qualification to diagnose and treat lipoedema. Physicians often come from the following specialties:
- Internal medicine – a specialty for diseases of the inner organs
- Dermatology – a specialty for diseases of the skin, also covering phlebology (diseases of the veins)
- Angiology – a specialty for diseases of the blood vessels
Your specialist may also initiate advanced diagnostics with imaging techniques that require a radiologist. When your diagnosis is confirmed, your Healthcare Professional will develop a holistic therapy plan to address your signs and symptoms.
Lymphoedema treatment usually requires a team of different specialties that include:
- A medical supply store with qualified personnel to get the right compression garments
- A physiotherapist with qualification to perform Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- A dietician in case you have problems maintaining your weight
- A psychologist who can teach you how to cope with a long-term disease such as lymphoedema
- An oncologist in case your lymphoedema is associated with cancer
- A surgeon to discuss surgical therapies for your lymphoedema, if appropriate
Depending on your disease's severity, your HCP Healthcare Professional may also refer you to a specialised lymphoedema clinic for the first weeks of your treatment. Lymphoedema clinics have the advantage that all specialties work together in one place. This can be especially important for lymphoedema treatment due to cancer, very old (geriatric) patients, or patients with primary lymphoedema.
Healthcare Professionals from different specialties must work together. Any changes in your signs and symptoms of lymphoedema can require a change to your treatment plan. A deep understanding of the disease also helps you notice any changes by yourself and makes it easier to communicate with your Healthcare Professionals.
