Veins and Lymphatics is taking its first steps

Abstract

Veins represent an important field of medicine. They are frequently involved in several diseases with a very wide range of severity. At one end of the spectrum, we have thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome, while at the other we have telangectasias, and a vast number of other conditions lie between these two extremes. Varicose veins are not always severe, but they affect an enormous number of people, with a consequent social and economic burden to society. Lymphology is also an important subject. Lymphatics play a role in many human diseases but lymphedema is a sort of Cinderella disease, neglected by patients, doctors and health care administrators. The name itself shows how little we know; a description of the clinical manifestation has been transformed into the name of the disease. Lymphedema is usually considered to be an inevitable event, be it congenital or secondary. Its incidence is thought to be growing each year, especially in poorer countries and in the field of oncology. Lymphedema treatment is mostly unsatisfactory and costs are high, while patient adherence to treatment is low...