Summary

Cancer currently affects over 50% of the general population. Despite the many medical advances of recent years, the surgeries and adjuvant treatments often required to treat different types of cancer are not without consequences. Lymphoedema is one of the major consequences, and one that remains largely unknown to the general public.

This online course, based entirely on the latest evidence, will give you a better understanding of lymphedema and the importance of detecting and treating it early.

First, the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system will be covered, to better understand its importance in the proper functioning of our circulatory and immune systems. Next, the definition of lymphedema, its classification into stages, early and late clinical signs and predisposing factors. This is followed by a discussion of its evaluation and possible treatments for lymphedema secondary to cancer.

Too many healthcare professionals still believe that complex or combined decongestive therapy (CDT), including the famous manual lymph drainage, is the therapy of choice for lymphedema secondary to cancer. However, this technique has been scientifically demonstrated to be ineffective, and is therefore unnecessary for the management of lymphedema. Too few healthcare professionals have the knowledge required to assess and detect lymphedema secondary to cancer at an early stage, so that treatment can be started promptly without the need for complex multilayer bandage therapy.

The ultimate aim of this course is to enable more users with incipient lymphedema to be properly assessed and advised on the early treatment of their lymphedema, so as to avoid its progression and the significant sequelae that can ensue.

Objectives

1. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system
2. Define lymphedema
3. Differentiate between primary and secondary lymphedema
4. Understand the risk of developing lymphedema in relation to different types of cancer and the wide variability of % risk in the current literature
5. Know the different risk factors for lymphedema secondary to cancer
6. Know how to differentiate myth from reality regarding preventive advice to be given to users at risk of lymphedema according to current literature
7. Know how to diagnose early-onset lymphedema
8. Assess the % and stage of lymphedema in an accurate and reproducible manner
9. Differentiate between transient edema and incipient lymphedema
10. Know the natural evolution of untreated lymphedema
11. Know the possible impact on users of living with lymphedema
12. Know the possible short-, medium- and long-term consequences of living with untreated lymphedema
13. Know how to properly assess lymphedema, using various tools as well as observation and palpation of the limb
14. Know the different possible treatments for lymphedema, depending on the % of edema and the current stage of lymphedema, as assessed by evidence-based data
15. Learn about the different types of compression garments available on the market to treat lymphedema
16. Understand the effects of compression on the lymphatic system
17. Know the contraindications and precautions to compression therapy for lymphedema
18. Understand the RAMQ program for reimbursement of compression therapy for lymphedema
19. Know the different types of microsurgery available to prevent or treat lymphedema, and current government recommendations on the subject
20. Know how to provide adequate and optimal short-, medium- and long-term follow-up for users with lymphedema undergoing treatment
21. Know how to advise users at risk of developing lymphedema or with lymphedema about preventing infections of the limb at risk
22. Be familiar with the various lymphedema resources already available, so as to be able to refer users appropriately if necessary

Target professionals

Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner’s license or regulation. Continuing education courses should not be taken by people who are not licensed or regulated.This does not apply when they are part of a specific plan of care. By participating in this course, the participant agrees to respect his/her professional scope of practice.