The elephant man-A tragic syndrome

In 1884, Sir Frederick Treves first described a patient known as "The Elephant Man" because of grotesque facial and bodily deformities, presumably due to von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. Because of these extreme deformities and disfigurements, this unfortunate man, although he was otherwise healthy, was socially ostracized and unable to live a normal life.This report concerns three modern examples of individuals whose great difficulty in enjoying life with other members of society was due to their peculiar appearances. Two of the patients suffered from neurofibromatosis and the third from multiple congenital nevi.A case is made for using the term "elephant man syndrome" for those who are made so ugly by certain congenital conditions that they are unable to function happily.A plea is made for plastic surgeons to apply their skills in these cases despite the excessive time and effort required, since aesthetic surgery here may be life-saving surgery.