Elephantiasis /ˌɛləfənˈtaɪəsɪs, -fæn-/ [el-uh-fuhn-tahy-uh-sis, -fan-] is a isease that is characterized by the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, especially in the legs and genitals. It causes certain parts to swell to the size of a beachball in some cases. ("Elephantitis" is a common mis-hearing or mis-remembering of the term, from confusing the ending -iasis -- process or resulting condition -- with the more commonly heard -itis -- irritation or inflammation.) Its proper medical name is "neurofibrome".