Cervical cystic hygroma/lymphangioma: an acquired idiopathic late presentation

Abstract

Lymphangiomas or cystic hygromas are relatively uncommon congenital malformations of the lymphatic system which usually present in the first years of childhood. Presentation in adult life is rare. We present a case of cervical adult cystic hygroma and discuss radiological and histopathological features as well as the management of these neck masses.

Cysts of the Neck, Unknown Primary Tumor, and Neck Dissection

“…A review of several series indicates that approximately 50% of these cysts are present at birth and 75% to 90% are present by a child's third year. [97][98][99][100][101][102][103] In most series, there was either no significant sex difference or a very slight male predominance. [97][98][99] Cystic hygromas may be detected in the uterus by ultrasonography.…”

Zystische Lymphangiome in der Halsregion bei Erwachsenen

“…However, this procedure is not available at all institutions at a high level. Complete surgical resection is usually the treatment of choice for cystic lymphangioma, in view of the high risk of recurrence following partial removal, as confirmed in our first case [2,4,6,10,13]. However, complete resection may be considered impossible because of spread of the lesion along adjacent vital structures (e.g.…”

“…This is especially true for adult patients. Surgical removal is usually easier in adults than in children, and adult lesions have lower recurrence rates after complete excision [6]. Complete resection was possible in all our three cases even though a two-step procedure was performed in the first case, which was complicated by perforation of the internal jugular vein.…”

“…Pathogenetically, they have been considered as congenital anomalies, hamartomas, acquired lesions or true tumors [2][3][4]. Lymphangiomas occur exceedingly rarely in adults and few cases are described in the literature [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Trauma or infection is generally considered responsible for their pathogenesis [5,9].…”

Successful Resection of Lymphangioma of the Neck and Mediastinum Presenting as Stridor in a 12 Year Old Child

“…Surgical removal is usually more difficult in children than in adults, and lesions in children have higher recurrence rates after complete excision. 7 Sclerotherapy of lymphangiomas is a recognized alternative treatment. Macrocystic lesions can be treated with sclerotherapy using alcohol.…”