Lymphedema as the first manifestation of Hodgkin's disease

Two cases of Hodgkin's disease are described, initially manifested with unilateral lymphedema of the lower extremity. The appearance of pronounced lymphedema of a lower extremity, as the first clinical manifestation and presenting sign of Hodgkin's disease is extremely rare. The surgical treatment of this condition consisted in removal of the involved lymph nodes of the inguinofemoral area and at the same time in omental transposition of a lymphatic communication of the afflicted area with the peritoneal cavity. The procedure was successful in ameliorating the lymphedema. No episodes of postoperative cellulitis occurred and good functional capacity of the extremity was achieved.