Lymphangiomas are benign malformations that represent hamartoma of malformed lymphatics and are composed of cystically dilated lymphatic channels which do not communicate or drain into other lymphatic channels or veins leading to accumulation of lymph. They are congenital malformations with rare occurrence in oral cavity within which tongue dorsum is the most affected site. Venous malformations are often difficult to differentiate from lymphatic malformations leading to the development of several lymphatic markers like D2-40 which seems to be useful for distinguishing vascular from lymphatic vessels. The most effective treatment is surgery having good prognosis for most of the patients but depending on their location (neck/tongue) and size (large size) they may cause airway obstruction causing death. Herewith, we present the rare cases of oral lymphangiomas of tongue, palate and buccal mucosa with varied and characteristic clinical presentations.
Keywords: D2-40; hamartoma; lymphangioma; lymphatic markers; vascular malformation.