Lymphangioma of the tongue: report of four cases with dental aspects

Abstract

Lymphangiomas are rare congenital malformations which are commonly seen in the head and neck region. The disease can be histologically differentiated from other vascular disorders such as cavernous or capillary hemangioma with the lymphatic endothelium-lined cystic spaces. The onset of lymphangiomas are either at birth (60 to 70%) or up to two years of age (90%). It is rare in adults. The therapeutic strategy is mainly based on the surgical removal of the lesion. The risk of recurrence is high in incomplete removal of the lesion. In this article, we discuss the major clinical manifestations, disease-related impairments and dental problems which patients may face as well as treatment options for lymphangioma of the tongue. Within this context, we present four cases of lymphangioma of tongue, including two with a giant macroglossia leading problems in dentition and related dental problems.

Cryotherapy for the management of a lip lymphangioma – a case report and literature review

“…Oral lymphangiomas are most commonly seen on the dorsum of the tongue in 40% to 50% of cases. They can also present in the lips, buccal mucosa, soft palate, floor of mouth and alveolar ridge of the mandible. In the tongue, large lymphangiomas can cause speech disturbances, difficulty in eating and have the potential to become life threatening due to airway obstruction or secondary infection.…”

Lymphangioma of the dorso-lateral tongue in an adult male: A rare case report

“…6 Tongue lymphangiomas represent 6% of these tumours in the body. 7,8 The most common site for intraoral lymphangioma leading to macroglossia is the anterior two-thirds of the dorsal surface of the tongue. 9…”

Cavernous Lymphangioma of the Tongue in an Adult: A Case Report

“…It is also known as lymphatic hamartoma ( 1 ). Lymphangioma is usually detected at birth or in early childhood, and 90% of cases develop before 2 years of age ( 2 , 3 , 4 ). This tumor may arise anywhere in the body, but the shoulder, armpit, abdomen, neck, pharynx, eyelids, and conjunctiva are most frequently affected.…”

“…In children, intraoral lymphangioma, especially tongue lymphangioma leading to macroglossia, may cause speech disturbances, poor oral hygiene, mandibular prognathism, openbite, yawning, chewing difficulties, and maxillofacial deformities ( 1 ). Therefore, appropriate and timely treatment is essential to avoid undesirable consequences, which in most cases are caused by macroglossia due to tongue tumors ( 4 ). Histopathologic classification of lymphangioma is as follows: (A) lymphangioma simplex, small thin-walled lymphatic vessels; (B) cavernous lymphangioma, dilated lymphatic vessels with surrounding adventitia; (C) cystic lymphangioma, large lymphatic spaces surrounded by fibrovascular tissue; and (D) benign lymphangioendothelioma, lymphatic channels separated by collagen bundles ( 2 ).…”