Handfield-Jones S E, Prendiville W J, Norman S
Department of Dermatology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK.
Genitourin Med. 1989 Oct;65(5):335-7. doi: 10.1136/sti.65.5.335.
Three cases of lymphangiectasia of the vulva are reported. One case followed Wertheim's hysterectomy for carcinoma of the cervix; two other cases had Crohn's disease with perineal involvement. Lymphangiectasia is a secondary phenomenon resulting from obstruction of previously normal lymphatics. This is in contrast with lymphangioma which is an anatomical abnormality. A review of the literature suggests that the vulval skin may be particularly susceptible to the formation of lymphangiectasia, and our patients' experiences suggest that they are easily mis-diagnosed.