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

Abstract

Lymphangioma is a benign hamartomatous lesion caused by congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. This benign tumor is detected most commonly at birth or in early childhood but rarely in adults. On clinical examination, most lymphangiomas contain clear lymph fluid, but some may present as transparent vesicles containing red blood cells due to hemorrhage. In addition, lymphangioma may occur in association with hemangioma. This tumor occurs most commonly in the head and neck area, but rarely in the oral cavity. The dorsum of the tongue is the most common location in the mouth, followed by the lips, buccal mucosa, soft palate, and floor of the mouth. There are various treatment approaches for lymphangioma, but surgical excision is the preferred method. We present a case of a 26-year-old man with lymphangioma on the anterior dorsal part of the tongue, not associated with any dysfunction in mastication or speech disorders.

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

“…Vascular lesions like hemangiomas, venous malformations and arteriovenous malformations are the main mesenchymal tumors to be considered. 3 Among the hemangiomas, the infantile hemangiomas show the most resemblance to lymphangiomas. These are mostly congenital and occur frequently in the head and neck.…”

“…No racial predominance or sexual predilection has been reported in them. 3 They are also called lymphatic hamartomas and are usually detected at birth (50%) or in early childhood, and the majority (90%) of congenital cases develop before two years of age. 4 Lymphangioma in adults is a rare occurrence.…”

Cavernous Lymphangioma of Unusual Location: A Case Report

“…The commonly affected regions are head and neck, presenting two-thirds of cases at birth and 90% by the second year of life, and some victims may not manifest lifelong. [1,2] Lymphangioma formed along the tissue planes or penetrate in adjacent tissues, become canalized and accumulates fluid in them. These are classified into three types, namely Capillary lymphangioma, Cavernous lymphangioma, and Cystic hygroma.…”

“…These are classified into three types, namely Capillary lymphangioma, Cavernous lymphangioma, and Cystic hygroma. [2] Another variety being Hemolymphangioma shows vascular as well as lymphatic component.…”

Lymphagioma of the Tongue: A Case Report

“…The clinical features are painless, nodular, vesicle-like swellings of the soft tissues, most commonly found on the anterior two-thirds of the dorsal surface of the tongue. 2 Histopathological features are numerous dilated lymphatic vessels lined by a single layer of endothelial cells. The lumina are filled with lymph fluid and occasionally white blood cells.…”