What is a lymphatic malformation?
A lymphatic malformation is a mass in the head or neck that results from an abnormal formation of lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels are small canals that lie near blood vessels and help carry tissue fluids from within the body to the lymph nodes and back to the bloodstream.
What is the cause of lymphatic malformation?
The cause of the malformed dilated lymphatic vessels is not fully understood. Embryonic lymph sacs have not connected correctly with the lymphatic system for some reason. They are non-cancerous.
Who gets lymphatic malformation?
There is no particular race or sex that is more at risk.
What are the clinical features of lymphatic malformation?
Lymphatic malformations are always present at birth, although they may be missed; they tend to become more obvious during infancy and childhood. They may vary in size from a small dot to occasionally involving a whole limb. Although lymph is a clear fluid, lymphatic formations often appear red or blue because of the involvement of adjacent blood vessels.
Classification of lymphatic malformation
There are three main types of lymphatic malformation:
· Cystic hygroma
· Cavernous lymphangioma
· Lymphangioma circumscriptum
Cystic hygroma
The cystic hygroma (also called ‘cystic lymphangioma’ and ‘lymphangioma cysticum’) is a ‘macrocytic’ lymphatic malformation, and is composed of large fluid-filled spaces. It appears as a skin coloured, red or bluish, somewhat transparent, swelling under the skin.
Cystic hygroma most often affects the neck, armpits or groin. Very large lesions may involve the chin and face, and occasionally interfere with eating or breathing. They can become infected, which may be life-threatening if the neck is involved.
Cystic hygroma is more common in some congenital disorders including Turner syndrome, hydrops fetalis, down syndrome and foetal alcohol syndrome. It may be advisable for babies with this type of lymphatic malformation to have chromosomal analysis performed.
An ultrasound scan is often performed to find out the extent of the abnormality.
Characteristically, firm rounded spaces are detected. A cystic hygroma is distinguished from venous malformation and haemangioma by the appearance and lack of flow of the fluid.
In more complicated cases it may be necessary to perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or angiography to help plan treatment.
Cavernous lymphangioma
Cavernous lymphangioma can affect any site on the body, including the tongue. It presents as a skin coloured, red or bluish rubbery swelling under the skin. Sometimes it has a period of fast growth in early childhood. Rarely, it may ulcerate.
It is distinguished from other vascular naevi by the presence of clear fluid within the lumps and the findings on ultrasound scan.
Lymphangioma circumscriptum
Lymphangioma circumscriptum is a ‘microcytic’ lymphatic malformation. It appears as a cluster of small firm blisters filled with lymph fluid, resembling frogspawn.
These range in colour from clear to pink, dark red, brown or black and may become warty, especially when affecting a palm or sole.
Lymphangioma circumscriptum is most commonly found on the shoulders, neck, underarm area, limbs, and in the mouth, especially the tongue.
The patches may become more prominent at puberty and may ooze or bleed. Occasionally they become infected.
What treatments are available for lymphatic malformation?
Cystic hygroma and cavernous lymphangiomas are generally removed surgically.
Unfortunately, the deeper lesions are quite difficult to remove completely and sometimes regrow. Oral sirolimus (which inhibits angiogenesis) and sildenafil (which causes dilation of blood vessels) are undergoing investigation as a potential medical treatments for severe lymphatic malformations but may have significant adverse effects.
Lymphangioma circumscriptum is benign (non-cancerous) and usually requires no treatment. Antibiotics may be given if secondary infection occurs (rare). If necessary it may be removed surgically, by dermabrasion or by laser. They have a tendency to recur after treatment.
This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.