WHAT IS LIPOEDEMA?

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.

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.

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.

Contributors: Professor Peter Mortimer. Professor of Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine. Dr Kristiana Gordon. Consultant of Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine. Professor Derek Macallan. Professor of Infectious Diseases and Medicine. Professor Sahar Mansour. Professor of Clinical Genetics. Professor Vaughan Keeley. Professor of Palliative Medicine and Lymphoedema. Katie Riches. Lead Research Nurse in Lymphoedema, Breast Cancer and Palliative Medicine. Dr Julian Pearce. Dermatology Registrar and Academic Clinical Fellow.

The aim of this document is to provide: 1. Practical information for clinical decision-making for health care professionals managing lymphoedema. 2. Key principles for practice. 3. When to safely apply compression in the presence of acute DVT.