Vignes S, Trévidic P, et al.
Annales de dermatologie et de venereologie. Date of publication 2005 Jan 1;volume 132(1):21-5.
1. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2005 Jan;132(1):21-5.
[Lymphedema of male external genitalia: a retrospective study of 33 cases].
[Article in French]
Vignes S(1), Trévidic P.
Author information:
(1)Unité de Lymphologie, Hôpital Cognacq-Jay, Site Broussais, Paris.
stephane.vignes@hopital-cognacq-jay.fr
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the main
characteristics and treatment of male external genitalia lymphedema.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1987 to 2003, all patients seen in a single hospital
for lymphedema of male external genitalia were included. For each patient, the
following characteristics were recorded: primary or secondary lymphedema, cause
of secondary form, date of onset of lymphedema, associated lower limb lymphedema,
clinical signs, and complications. In the primary forms, lower limb
lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Specific surgery was proposed in all cases of
symptomatic lymphedema (circumcision, scrotum and/or penile cutaneous excision).
RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with lymphedema of external genitalia (17 primary,
16 secondary) were recruited. Two primary lymphedema were congenital, one
isolated. Mean age +/- SD of the onset of the 15 other primary genital lymphedema
was 23.4 +/- 17.5 years, always after the appearance of lower limb lymphedema.
Sixteen men had secondary lymphedema (bladder, prostate, or rectum cancer,
Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, aorto-bifemoral bypass grafting, biopsy or
curretage of inguinal nodes). Secondary genitalia lymphedema was not associated
with lower limb lymphedema in two cases and, in the others it occurred 66 +/- 122
months after (n=11), at the same time (n=2) or before lower limb lymphedema
(n=1). Clinically, we noted genitalia heaviness (n=31), lower limb lymphedema
(n=30), vaginal hydrocele (n=13), impaired miction due to prepucial swelling
(n=10), leakage of lymphatic fluid (n=10). Lower limb lymphedema was complicated
by at least one erysipelas (n=20), spreading to the external genitalia (n=4). In
primary forms, lymphoscintigraphy showed ipsilateral hypoplasia of inguinal nodes
in lower limb lymphedema (n=14) and/or external genitalia backflow (n=7).
Surgical treatment was performed in 17 cases (11 primary, 6 secondary) with good
results after 21 months' median follow up (1 month-10 years). Two patients died
of cancer. One secondary lymphedema improved spontaneously and one disappeared
after withdrawal of lower limb pneumatic compression.
DISCUSSION: Lymphedema of external genitalia is responsible for discomfort and
local complications. Surgical treatment is the main procedure of this disorder.
PMID: 15746602 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
