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What is a Lymphangioma?

By T. Carrier
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,169
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A lymphangioma is a benign growth found in the lymphatic system. Most of these abnormalities occur in young children under the age of two. They may be present from birth or may begin at a later time. While a lymphangioma may form anywhere on the skin or mucous membranes, the neck and head are the most common locations.

A blockage and subsequent tangling in the lymphatic system — most often during fetal development — gives rise to lymphangiomas. The lympathic system is an important component of the immune system wherein bacteria and other foreign substances are destroyed. This lympathic system blockage may derive from a number of factors such as infection or alcohol consumption by the mother. Ultrasounds and amniocentesis — a testing of amniotic fluid — may best alert medical professionals to the possible condition.

Lymphangiomas are characterized by different locations, sizes, and appearances. A macrocystic lymphangioma is generally smaller than 0.8 inches (about 2 cm), whereas a microcystic lymphangioma typically grows larger than 0.8 inches (about 2 cm). Categorization also occurs dependent on where the lymphangioma is located in relation to a neck bone called the hyoid bone and whether or not the growths occur on both sides of the body. A lymphangomia can be named in accordance to its appearance as well. Such classifications include capillary, cavernous, and cystic.

Symptoms of lymphatic system malformation vary by type. Cystic types are large and fluid-filled, and thus often appear as bulges beneath the skin. These congenital lymphangiomas frequently arise on the neck, groin, and arm pits. Mild pain upon compression of the swollen area may result. Cavernous lymphangiomas share similar symptoms and origins, but these types are usually found deep under the skin of the neck or mouth and they are also more likely to spread. Other types of lymphangiomas known as lymphangioma circumscriptum may consist of small pink or red blister clusters on the surface of the skin.

Although benign, lymphangiomas can facilitate complications. Bleeding and infections are perhaps the two chief concerns. A large growth may also obstruct the mucous membranes and respiratory system and therefore distress breathing. In some cases, the growths may serve as an early indicator of genetic or chromosomal disorders. In addition, large cluster of lymphangiomas may prove unsightly in a cosmetic sense.

Proper treatment can generally alleviate most associated symptoms. Fluid drainage may provide short-term relief in less severe cases. Radiotherapy is also utilized with selected patients. When feasible and least damaging to surrounding healthy tissue, surgical removal remains the most effective treatment protocol.

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Discussion Comments
By bluedolphin — On May 14, 2013

@donasmrs-- Your nephew might have already had that lymphangioma that only became evident after the injury. As far as I know, lymphangiomas almost always develop from birth until age two.

By donasmrs — On May 14, 2013

@fify-- Lymphangiomas don't always happen from birth or out of no where, sometimes it's due to a traumatic injury.

My nephew had a bad fall when he was six years old and injured himself. After a few weeks, he developed a lymphangioma where the injury was and had to have surgery.

By fify — On May 13, 2013

I don't understand women who don't take care of themselves while pregnant and take things they're not supposed to. There was a mother at the hospital I work at who had drank alcohol during her pregnancy. Her son was born with a huge cystic lymphangioma in his neck.

Sometimes lymphangiomas form on their own but in this case it was most likely the alcohol consumption by the mother that caused it. It's just sad that a mother would be willing to put her infant through that.

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