Elephantiasis
Lymphatic Filariasis
📋Overview
Elephantiasis is a legacy term commonly used to describe severe lymphedema characterized by extreme swelling and thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, most often affecting the legs or genitals. The modern preferred term is lymphedema, which can be primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired). The most common cause worldwide is lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic infection leading to lymphatic obstruction. Elephantiasis describes the advanced stage of lymphedema with significant tissue enlargement and skin changes.
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