Lymphangioma

Also known as: lymphatic malformations, cystic lymphangioma, lymphangiomatosis.

What is lymphangioma?

When a disorder of the body’s lymphatic system causes a cyst or lesion to grow somewhere on the body, this is known as lymphangioma. It’s often seen as a birth defect. Lymphangiomas can appear anywhere in the body, but they are most often seen on the neck or head.
 

What causes lymphangioma?

Lymphangiomas arise due to something going wrong with the body’s lymphatic system. Typically this has to do with unusual dilation of the lymph vessels. Why this occurs in the first place, however, is not exactly clear. 
 

What are the symptoms of lymphangioma?

In some cases, lymphangioma causes growths or lesions without other symptoms. However, if the growth is next to other parts of the body, it can cause serious issues, such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, speaking, seeing or using the hands or feet.
 

What are lymphangioma care options?

There are different treatment options based on the type and location of the lympahtic malformation.  This may include injection of medication (sclerotherapy), surgery, or medical therapy with new agents such as Rapamycin. Care of patients with lymphatic malformation is often best done through a multi-disciplinary team.

Reviewed by: Chad A Perlyn, MD

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:08 PM