British Lymphology Society Chooses Belfast For Prestigious Annual Conference

Main Category: Lymphology/Lymphedema
Also Included In: Conferences
Article Date: 01 Oct 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The British Lymphology Society (BLS), the only UK body representing the medical professionals who treat lymphoedema, has chosen Belfast as the venue for its high profile annual conference.

Nearly 200 nursing and physiotherapy delegates, plus 11 pharmaceutical companies will be gathering at the Wellington Park Hotel for three days; 5-7 October. Delegates and exhibitors will be exploring and discussing innovative and leading edge developments in the management and treatment of Lymphoedema under the theme: Lymphoedema - Alternative Pathways.

In medical terms oedema means swelling. Lymphoedema is swelling resulting from damage to the body's lymph glands. It is a cruel, disabling and disfiguring condition with many complications and side effects. It can occur naturally (the exact cause has not yet been established, even with the power of modern genetic and DNA research); or it can arise from damage to the lymphatic system caused by major surgery - treatment for breast cancer being the prime example. Extensive swelling of limbs can severely limit mobility and make access to treatment very difficult. Many sufferers find it impossible to lead a normal lifestyle. Lymphoedema is also characterised by skin sores and ulceration.

There are also problems with diagnosis - many GP's regard swelling and oedema as an obesity, dietary and exercise problem. In fact, as our mothers and grandmothers so perceptively observed, it's a glandular problem - a problem with the lymph glands.

British Lymphology Society