What is a lymphologist?
Lymphologists are doctors who are specially trained in the diagnosis of and therapy for diseases of the lymphatic system. Among other things, they examine and treat patients with lymph drainage disorders and lymphoedema (protein-rich accumulation of fluid in the tissue) at all stages of severity.
Lymphologists are medical doctors from different disciplines who have undergone further training in lymphology through a specialist association according to a recognised curriculum, for example
- internists (specialists in internal medicine),
- dermatologists (specialists in dermatology) or
- vascular doctors (specialists in angiology).
What does a lymphologist do?
Lymph specialists work on an inpatient and / or outpatient basis. Their main responsibilities are,
- examining swellings in the tissues,
- diagnosing lymphatic diseases or
- excluding them on the basis of results.
As well as intensive discussion with the patient and a physical examination, they also use imaging techniques such as sonography (ultrasound). After a detailed assessment of the findings, they can initiate a therapy tailored to the patient. Lymphoedema are chronic diseases that require life-long therapy. The basic therapy for lymphoedema is complex decongestive therapy (CDT).
Lymphoedema can be congenital, but the majority are acquired forms. They are usually preceded by another illness or injury. Lymph therapy is often therefore part of interdisciplinary collaboration with different medical fields, for example as part of cancer therapy.
Note: Among other things, venous diseases can also cause swollen legs. Diseases of the venous system are usually treated by phlebologists. Some lymphologists also work as phlebologists.
Diagnosis & treatment
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Health personnel will make the diagnosis and can prescribe compression stockings, e.g. from medi if necessary.
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