Understanding Lymphedema
Explore lymphatic system function, anatomy, and physiology, with particular focus on how cancer treatments affect lymphatic flow.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
1 hour100% online
How it worksDigital upgrade
Free
Understanding Lymphedema
This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.
Explore the arm's lymphatic system function, anatomy, and physiology
The lymphatic system is often taught as a passive, uniform drainage network, but its real-world anatomy is dynamic, highly variable, and deeply mechanical. Understanding these hidden nuances is the key to understanding lymphedema.
On this course, you will look beneath the surface to explore the true mechanics of fluid transport in the upper extremity. We will dissect the “self-pumping” power of microscopic lymphangions, map the crucial 60/40 anatomical split that determines a patient’s post-surgical risk, and examine the structural boundaries that confine lymphedema to the skin layer.
Understand the lymphatic system and treatment impacts
Explore lymphatic system function, anatomy, and physiology, with particular focus on how breast cancer treatments affect lymphatic flow. You’ll understand the mechanisms by which surgery and radiotherapy can lead to lymphedema.
This foundational knowledge guides clinical decision-making throughout patient care and helps you explain risks clearly to patients.
Syllabus
Week 1
Exploring the Lymphatic System
Welcome to the course
This course aims to provide a foundation for understanding the lymphatic system and the development of lymphedema.
Foundation of the lymphatic system
By the end of this activity, learners will be better able to understand the structure of the lymphatic system as a transport system and will be able to explain the lymphatic system to a patient in a simple way.
Anatomy of the lymphatic system
By the end of this activity, learners will be able to know about the anatomy of the lymphatic system in the upper extremity
Summary of the week
Review of week 1
Week 2
Understanding lymphedema development
Welcome to Week 2
Within the physiological section, you will get an overview of fluid change mechanisms in the tissue and understand the difference between the previous Starling principles and the newer revised version.
Physiology of the lymphatic system
By the end of this activity, learners will be better able to understand the physiology of the lymphatic system
Pathophysiology
By the end of this activity, learners will be better able to understand the pathophysiology behind the development of breast cancer related lymphedema
Summary of the course
Review and reflect on newly gained knowledge
Who is this accredited by?
The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explain the etiology, pathophysiology and how cancer treatment can affect the lymphatic system.
- Identify breast cancer patients at risk of developing lymphedema.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for medical professionals who want to better understand lymphedema of the upper extremity after breast cancer treatment.
Who will you learn with?
Associate Professor Karin Johansson is a globally recognized physiotherapist and lymphedema specialist whose long-standing work has helped transform the prevention and treatment of lymphedema.
Who developed the course?
Skåne Care
As the international gateway to Sweden’s public healthcare system, Skåne Care connects global partners with top-quality healthcare solutions and opportunities for professional growth. Skåne Care is part of the Swedish public healthcare system and is governed by the Regional Council of Skåne in southern Sweden.
What's included?
Skåne Care are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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