Cystic hygroma/lymphangioma; A rational approach to management

Thomas L. Kennedy, Mark Whitaker, Phillip Pellitteri, W. Edward Wood

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

223 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To outline a rational approach to the management of cystic hygroma based on the authors experience, the natural history of the disease, and the results of surgical treatment. Study Design and Methods A retrospective review of all patients with the diagnosis of lymphangioma or cystic hygroma from 1958 to 2000 was performed. Results Seventy-four patients were identified with 46 cases confined to the cervicofacial region. Surgical excision was performed on 60 of the 74 cases involving all regions of the body and 34 of the 46 patients with head and neck lesions. The location of the malformation is the most important determinate for surgical success. While surgical excision was the main treatment modality, 11 of 12 untreated patients were noted to improve, with 8 patients showing complete resolution. ConclusionsIn the treatment of lymphangiomas, the physician should be experienced in the management of such lesions, be aware of spontaneous resolution, and recognize the limitations and potential harm of surgery in certain instances.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1929-1937
Number of pages9
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume111
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Otorhinolaryngology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cystic hygroma/lymphangioma; A rational approach to management'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this