What does leg lymphedema look like?
The most common symptom of lymphedema is swelling in one or both arms or legs. This swelling, which can extend into the fingers or toes, usually develops gradually over time. At first, the swelling is soft and fluid. In time, it can become more dense and fibrous, and it may make your skin look grainy.
Can lymphedema cause scrotal swelling?
Although lymphedema most often affects the arms, hands, and legs, it can also affect the scrotum. In some cases, the scrotum can become so large that the patient can no longer walk and is in chronic pain. In severe cases, the foreskin of the penis may be inverted and the penis buried in the scrotal tissue.
How do you get scrotal lymphedema?
Scrotal lymphedema is a buildup of fluid that causes swelling in the soft tissues of the genital area. It’s caused by a blockage or damage to the lymphatic system, which is the system that helps to remove waste and toxins from the body. Often the damage is related to cancer treatments or surgeries.
Can scrotal lymphedema be cured?
Giant scrotal lymphedema with buried penis can be treated successfully by excision scrotoplasty with preservation of the invaginated healthy penile skin to reconstruct the penis. Giant scrotal lymphedema is a challenging problem that leads to physical and emotional disability.
What does the start of lymphedema look like?
Lymphedema signs and symptoms include: Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes. A feeling of heaviness or tightness. Restricted range of motion.
What happens if lymphedema goes untreated?
Left untreated, lymphedema can worsen and cause severe swelling and permanent changes to the tissues under the skin, such as thickening and scarring.
Is massive scrotal lymphedema real?
Scrotal elephantiasis, or massive scrotal lymphedema, is a disease that is caused by obstruction, aplasia, or hypoplasia of the lymphatic vessels draining the scrotum. The scrotal skin is thickened and may exhibit ulcerations in severe cases.
Why is my shaft swollen?
Infection. Swelling of the penis may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Other symptoms will be present, such as sores, redness, itching, or penile discharge. A swollen penis can also occur due to infections that are not transmitted sexually.
What is the life expectancy of someone with lymphedema?
When the duration of illness is prolonged, the lymphedema may develop into lymphangiosarcoma. The life expectancy of a patient with this condition is limited to a few months to 2 years [6], [7].
Is lymphedema a terminal?
For those suffering from lymphedema, the swelling is caused by an impaired lymphatic system. Left untreated, lymphedema can seriously damage your health and even be life threatening.
What causes an enlarged scrotum and lymphedema?
Scrotal Lymphedema. Scrotal swelling and enlargement can be caused by a variety of disorders. One of the more common causes of an enlarged scrotum is a hernia.
What causes fluid on the left side of the scrotum?
Scrotal Lymphedema. Another common cause is fluid accumulation between the testicle and the skin. This is called a hydrocele. Generally, the swelling is unilateral – only on one side. A less common but more serious and debilitating scrotal condition that can lead to massive scrotal swelling is scrotal lymphedema.
Can lymphedema be idiopathic?
In other cases the lymphedema can arise without and known cause—this is referred to as idiopathic. Like involvement of a leg or arm, the scrotum swells, and in some cases the scrotum can reach an enormous size. The skin of the scrotum is doughy and filled with fluid and becomes thickened and chronically infected.
What does it mean when your scrotum is swollen on one side?
Scrotal Lymphedema. This is called a hydrocele. Generally, the swelling is unilateral – only on one side. A less common but more serious and debilitating scrotal condition that can lead to massive scrotal swelling is scrotal lymphedema. With this condition, the entire scrotum becomes extremely large as lymph fluid and tissue accumulates.