Verrucous and elephantoid lymphedema: morphologic spectrum and terminology

Five patients with varying severities of hyperkeratotic verrucous thickening at the skin illustrate that the condition may occasionally become elephantoid and occurs in some cases of long-standing lymphedema regardless of its cause. The morphologic term "elephantiasis" has been associated with the end of lymphedema, but has been used by different authors to mean different things and has, therefore, become imprecise. The noun "lymphedema" modified by the appropriate adjective is more accurate in describing these skin changes. Under the heading--"elephantiais"--Index Medicus now states--"see lymphedema."