Cystic hygroma

N Y State Dent J. 2006 Aug-Sep;72(5):51-2.

Abstract

Cystic hygroma (CH) is a benign, developmental condition of unknown etiology. 90% of the cases are present by age 2. CH represents malformed lymphatics that fail to communicate with larger veins and, therefore, they collect lymph. It is a type of lymphangioma. The clinical presentation is one of a painless, soft mass that reaches a giant size and can lead to the death of the infant. The diagnosis is done with CT scan and biopsy. We report a severe case of CH and describe the difficult surgical treatment, despite the benign nature of the lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Facial Asymmetry / etiology
  • Facial Asymmetry / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / complications*
  • Male
  • Mandible / abnormalities
  • Mandible / surgery
  • Open Bite / etiology
  • Open Bite / surgery