Cervical cystic lymphangioma in children

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cystic lymphangioma are rare and benign, but the prognosis can be serious in terms of its development and management. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of eight cases. RESULTS: The mean age was 7 years, with a slight female predominance. Ultrasound scanning was sufficient to establish the diagnosis. CT scan or MRI scan was used if parapharyngeal or a mediastinal extension was suspected. All patients in this series underwent surgical excision. There were no postoperative complications or recurrence at one year post-surgery. DISCUSSION: These lesions present as soft compressible cervical swellings of variable size. Radiological imaging (CT, MRI) aid diagnosis and demonstrate extent, however final diagnosis is made by histopathological examination. The treatment of choice is surgical excision. Another option is the use of sclerosing agents. These are used by some surgeons as a first line treatment and also for surgical recurrence.