LINFO Lymphology

The Master in Lymphology for physical therapists leads to professionals specialised in recovery, re-education, and rehabilitation of lymphoedema, while the course for physicians allows them to be specialised in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of lymphoedema.

Based on new knowledge in physiopathology and the introduction of combinations of effective therapeutic strategies, in terms of reducing oedema and improving quality of life, students acquire professional skills as per evidence-based medicine (EBM) and have the opportunity to understand the effectiveness of treatments with rigorous measurement and evaluation scales.

The Master in Lymphology is meant for physicians and physical therapists, with two distinct courses based on specific professional skills.

A physical therapist with a Master’s degree in Lymphology becomes a specialised professional expert in the recovery, re-education, and rehabilitation of lymphoedema. He/she can use the advanced skills acquired in the Master’s programme in physical therapy practices (as a freelancer) or in rehabilitation units of the National Health System (NHS). For NHS professionals, the Master’s degree in Lymphology is a requirement to be hired for positions as a specialist professional regulated by Law no. 43/2006 and implemented by CCLN 2016-2018.

A physician with a Master’s degree in Lymphology becomes a specialised professional expert in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of lymphoedema. He/she can use the advanced skills acquired in the Master’s programme in a freelance capacity or in rehabilitation units of the National Health System (NHS). The Master’s degree in Lymphology can be used for career advancement in the national healthcare system.

The Master’s degree in Lymphology provides training in

• Anatomy of the Lymphatic System: embryology, histology, micro/macroanatomy, functional and topographic anatomy.
• Physiology of the Lymphatic System: fluid balance in extracellular matrix; histology and physiology of the lymphatic system, lymph composition and flow to the venous system.
• Elements of Medical Genetics: basics, mutations in syndromic and non-syndromic lymphoedema; clinical signs, diagnostic algorithms.
• Elements of Molecular Biology: molecular mechanisms of biological tissue development (cells, extracellular matrix, microcirculation, and lymphatic network); mechanotransduction.
• Elements of Biophysics: mechanical and thermodynamic laws governing physiological and pathophysiological phenomena; mechanical homeostasis, fluid mechanics; resistance of materials.
• Internal Medicine: pathologies of large systems and development of lymphoedema.
• Physiopathology of the Lymphatic System: mechanisms determining excess fluid and macromolecules in the extracellular matrix and lymphatic drainage deficit; pathophysiology of lymphoedema and lipoedema and the cardiovascular system.
• Secondary Lymphoedema in Cancer Patients: physiopathology, incidence, risk and prevention, diagnosis, treatment, guidelines.
• General, Visceral and Breast surgery: post-surgical lymphoedema; chronic oedema in vascular patients; breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction.
• Rehabilitation Part 1 – Primary and secondary lymphoedema, lipoedema: clinical signs, evaluation and diagnosis, treatment principles and therapeutic education. Elastic containment mechanisms, manual drainage with lymphofluoroscopic guidance. Rehabilitation after breast surgery. In addition, for physical therapists: manual drainage and bandaging workshops using various components.
• Research Methodology: statistical basics; experimental and qualitative research; evidence-based practice; research projects.
• Legal Medicine and Bioethics: medical, legal, deontological, and ethical aspects; clinical risk; level of disability.
• Nuclear Medicine (Lymphoscintigraphy): fundamentals, diagnostic interpretation; physical principles, properties of radioisotopes and gamma chambers.
• Lymphatic Surgery – Surgical Options: conceptual bases and evidence. Outcome assessment, post-surgical care.
• Skin Disorders in Patients with Lymphoedema: skin care, skin ulcers, hyperkeratosis, mycosis and other skin infections related to lymphangitis/dermo hypodermatitis.
• Nutrition in Lymphoedema and Lipoedema: interactions between lymphoedema and food intake, NaCL, carbohydrates, long-chain fatty acids; nutrition as a therapeutic strategy.
• Clinical Psychology: psychological, relational and communicative dimensions; team support.
• Pharmacology.
• Healthcare organisation: infrastructures, material and human resources, organisation in the intensive and long-term management of lymphoedema.
• Rehabilitation Part 2 – Therapeutic strategies and physical treatment of lymphoedema. Primary lymphoedema in paediatric age. Management of skin ulcers. In addition, for physicians: tool assessment workshops (ultrasound, elastometry, lymphofluoroscopy).

The table below shows the teaching structure of the Master’s programme.

The table also shows:

• The programme broken down by course year;
• Teachings and related modules;
• The relationships lecturers have to the  various structures;
• The number of hours required for Physical Therapists and Doctors;
• The overall educational programme as shown in student commitment hours;
• Courses on basic subjects highlighted in yellow;
• Laboratory teaching activities highlighted in blue.

The table can be found at the following link: table of teaching activities.

• Professor Luciana Caenazzo – Associate Professor of Legal Medicine, University of Padua (Director of Master’s Course);
• Professor Jean Paul Belgrado – Associate Professor at the Faculty of Motor Sciences, Free University of Brussels;
• Dr. Giacomo Rossitto – Internal Medicine Researcher, University of Padua;
• Dr. Pamela Tozzo – Legal Medicine Researcher, University of Padua;
• Dr. Silvia Fontana – Physiatrist from A.ULSS 7 Pedemontana.