Lymphedema, known as elephant disease among the people, is among the diseases that have been seen frequently in recent years. Elephantiasis, which can occur in cases such as fungus and mosquito bites, can cause swelling that can be seen in one of the arms or legs, or sometimes both. Patients who notice the symptoms of elephantiasis should start the right treatment under the supervision of a doctor. Delaying treatment may pave the way for the development of more serious complications in patients.
WHAT CAUSES ELEPHONE EDEMA DISEASE?
Elephant disease is basically caused by the spread of lymph fluid under the skin for various reasons instead of entering the bloodstream. The most common cause is removal of lymph nodes as part of cancer treatment. In cancer patients, lymphedema may occur as a result of the obstruction of lymphatic vessels by tumors formed by malignant cells, and the obstruction of the flow of lymph fluid. Apart from that, the factors that play a role in the formation of elephant disease are:
- Radiation treatments seen after cancer
- Damage to the lymphatic ways as a result of some surgeries
- Fungal diseases
- Traumas
- Infections
- Parasites transmitted by mosquitoes
- Hereditary diseases and anomalies related to the structure of the lymph system
Elephant Disease Symptoms
- Swelling of some or all of the arms and legs, including the fingers and between the toes
- Pain and discomfort
- Feeling of heaviness and tightness in the body
- Restriction of mobility
- Thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
- recurring infections
- Formation of folds in the skin
- wart-like formations
- Fluid leaking from the skin