Elephantiasis

The elephantiasis indicates a disease whose symptoms are an increase in the volume of a member or part of the body caused by a Oedème, which is épanchement of the Lymphe apart from the lymphatic Système.

Cause

The causes involving the edema can be multiple:
  • parasitic: worms Filaire S settle in the lymphatic system and disturb the circulation of the lymph, one then speaks about lymphatic Filariose de Bancroft or filariose. This cause of elephantiasis is especially present in the tropical countries, where the worms are transported by the Moustique S.
  • cancerous: a tumor makes pressure on a lymphatic vessel
  • congenital: a malformation of the lymphatic system prevents it from fulfilling fully its role
  • infectious: an ignition of several lymphatic vessels, where lymphangite, disturbs lymphatic circulation

Treatment

The treatment aims at removing the cause of elephantiasis. A surgical aspect can come in complement to treat malformations caused by elephantiasis.

History

Elephantiasis is a disease known since at least the Antiquité, where Egyptian drawings represent people reached of this disease. This affection is also described in medical texts Chinese, Hindu, Japanese and Perse.

Joseph Merrick

This disease is incorrectly associated with that from which Joseph Merrick suffered, known under the nickname of Elephant Man (man elephant). Studies tend to show that Joseph Merrick was reached Syndrome of Protée and not of elephantiasis.

References

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