MEET YOUR SECRET WEAPONS FOR A HEALTHY LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

This is the second Lymph Fact Sheet addressing lymphoedema following treatment for head and neck cancer. Life-long risk reducing activities for patients at risk of lymphoedema in the head and neck have already been described and this fact sheet focuses on the identification, impact and different management strategies used for lymphoedema in the head and neck region. It’s intended to support lymphoedema practitioners who may be referred this group of patients for management of their swelling.

Lipoedema is a chronic disorder of disproportionate increase in adipose tissue (fat cells) in the legs and occasionally in the arms, almost exclusively affecting women. It was first described by Allen & Hines in 1940 as ‘symmetrical accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous tissue’. British Lymphology Society trustees and members of the Scientific Committee have contributed to the development of this Lymph Fact Sheet.

Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC MBLS About the Author Beverley de Valois qualified as an acupuncturist in 1999, is a Fellow of the British Acupuncture Council, and was awarded a PhD in 2007. She is a researcher with a special interest in investigating how acupuncture can be used to support cancer survivors, and has conducted many preliminary studies in the Supportive Oncology Research Team (SORT), East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. She was Chair of the British Lymphology Society Scientific Committee from 2017-2020.

BLS gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Dr Malou van Zanten, Senior Research Practitioner in Lymphovascular Medicine and Dr Bernard Ho, Clinical Fellow in Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine, both at St George’s University Hospital London, to the production of this Lymph Fact Sheet.