Cavernous lymphangiomas
Composed of dilated lymphatic channels, cavernous lymphangiomas characteristically invade surrounding tissues. Cystic hygromas
Cystic hygromas are large, macrocystic lymphangiomas filled with straw-colored, protein-rich fluid. Hemangiolymphangioma
As suggested by their name, hemangiolymphangiomas are lymphangiomas with a vascular component.Lymphangiomas may also be classified into microcystic, macrocystic, and mixed subtypes, according to the size of their cysts. Microcystic lymphangiomas
Microcystic lymphangiomas are composed of cysts, each of which measures less than 2 cm3 in volume. Macrocystic lymphangiomas
Macrocystic lymphangiomas contain cysts measuring more than 2 cm3 in volume. Mixed lymphangiomas
Lymphangiomas of the mixed type contain both microcystic and macrocystic components.Finally, lymphangiomas may be described in stages, which vary by location and extent of disease. In particular, stage depends on whether lymphangiomas are present above or superior to the hyoid bone (suprahyoid), below or inferior to the hyoid bone (infrahyoid), and whether the lymphangiomas are on one side of the body (unilateral) or both (bilateral). Stage I
Unilateral infrahyoid. Stage II
Unilateral suprahyoid. Stage III
Unilateral suprahyoid and infrahyoid. Stage IV
Bilateral suprahyoid. Stage V
Bilateral suprahyoid and infrahyoid. Treatment
Treatment for cystic hygroma involves the removal of the abnormal tissue; however complete removal may be impossible without removing other normal areas. Surgical removal of the tumor is the typical treatment provided, with the understanding that additional removal procedures will most likely be required as the lymphangioma grows. Most patients need at least two procedures done for the removal process to be achieved. Recurrence is possible but unlikely for those lesions able to be removed completely via excisional surgery.
Lymphangioma circumscriptum, a microcystic lymphatic malformation, resembles clusters of small blisters ranging in color from pink to dark red. They are benign and do not require medical treatment, although some patients may choose to have them surgically removed for cosmetic reasons. Cavernous lymphangiomas are generally present at birth, but may appear later in the childs life. These bulging masses occur deep under the skin, typically on the neck, tongue and lips, and vary widely in size, ranging from as small as a centimeter in diameter to several centimeters wide. In some cases, they may affect an entire extremity such as a hand or foot. Although they are usually painless, the patient may feel mild pain when pressure is exerted on the area. They come in the colors white, pink, red, blue, purple, and black; and the pain lessens the lighter the color of the bump. Cystic hygroma shares many commonalities with cavernous lymphangiomas, and some doctors consider them to be too similar to merit separate categories. However, cystic lymphangiomas usually have a softer consistency than cavernous lymphangiomas, and this term is typically the one that is applied to lymphangiomas that develop in fetuses. They usually appear on the neck (75%), arm pit or groin areas. They often look like swollen bulges underneath the skin. Causes
The direct cause of lymphangioma is a blockage of the lymphatic system as a fetus develops, although symptoms may not become visible until after the baby is born. The cause remains unknown.