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{{Lymphangioma}}
{{Lymphangioma}}
{{CMG}} {{AE}} {{HL}}
{{CMG}} {{AE}} {{HL}} {{Badria}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
Lymphangioma arises from [[lymph]] vessels, which are normally involved in the re-circulation of excess body fluid back into the blood stream. The exact pathogenesis of lymphangioma is not fully understood. It is thought that lymphangioma is caused by either sequestration of lymph tissue, abnormal budding of lymph vessels, lack of fusion with the [[venous]] system, or obstruction of lymph vessels. Lymphangiomas most commonly develop at the [[head]] and [[neck]] regions. Lymphangioma is associated with a number of conditions that include [[Turner syndrome]] and [[Down syndrome]]. On gross pathology, characteristic findings of lymphangioma include a grey-white, well circumscribed, edematous mass with a variable size and consistency. On microscopic histopathological analysis, characteristic findings of lymphangioma include thin walled [[endothelial]] lining, intraluminal accumulation of [[eosinophilic]] deposits, and clusters of intraluminal [[lymphocyte]]s. There are no known direct causes for lymphangioma. Lymphangioma must be differentiated from [[arteriovenous malformation]], [[branchial cleft]] [[cyst]], and [[dermoid cyst]]. Lymphangiomas are rare, accounting for 4% of all vascular tumors among children. The incidence of lymphangioma is estimated to be less than 2 cases per 100,000 individuals in the United States. Lymphangioma commonly affects individuals younger than 5 years of age. Lymphangioma affects men and women equally. There is no racial predilection to the lymphangioma. CT scan may be diagnostic of lymphangioma. Findings on CT scan suggestive of lymphangioma include a homogeneous, [[cystic]], mass that may demonstrate intrinsic [[septa|septations]] and compression of adjacent organs. The mainstay of therapy for lymphangioma is surgery. Treatment for lymphangioma involves the removal of the abnormal tissue; however complete removal may be impossible without removing other normal areas. Most patients need at least two procedures done for the removal process to be achieved.<ref name="wiki">Lymphangioma. Wikipedia (2016) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphangioma Accessed on March 3, 2015</ref><ref name="patho">Lymphangioma. PathologyOutlines (2016) http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/softtissuelymphangiomacystic.html Accessed on March 5, 2016</ref><ref name="patho2">Lymphangioma. Libre Pathology (2016) http://librepathology.org/wiki/Vascular_tumours#Lymphangioma Accessed on March 5, 2016</ref><ref name="radio">Lymphangioma. Radiopeadia (2016) http://radiopaedia.org/articles/lymphangioma Accessed on March 5, 2016</ref>   
Lymphangioma arises from [[lymph]] vessels, which are normally involved in the re-circulation of excess body [[fluid]] back into the [[blood]] stream. The exact [[pathogenesis]] of [[lymphangioma]] is not fully understood. It is thought that [[lymphangioma]] is caused by either sequestration of [[lymph]] tissue, abnormal [[budding]] of [[lymph]] vessels, lack of fusion with the [[venous]] system, or [[obstruction]] of lymph vessels. [[Lymphangioma|Lymphangiomas]] most commonly develop at the [[head]] and [[neck]] regions. [[Lymphangioma]] is associated with a number of conditions that include [[Turner syndrome]] and [[Down syndrome]]. On [[gross]] [[Pathology (disambiguation)|pathology,]] characteristic findings of [[lymphangioma]] include a grey-white, well circumscribed, [[Edematous malnutrition|edematous]] mass with a variable size and consistency. On microscopic [[Histopathology|histopathological]] analysis, characteristic findings of [[lymphangioma]] include thin walled [[endothelial]] lining, [[Intraluminal|intralumina]]<nowiki/>l accumulation of [[eosinophilic]] deposits, and clusters of [[intraluminal]] [[lymphocyte]]s. There are no known direct causes for [[lymphangioma]]. [[Lymphangioma]] must be differentiated from [[arteriovenous malformation]], [[branchial cleft]] [[cyst]], and [[dermoid cyst]]. Lymphangiomas are rare, accounting for 4% of all vascular tumors among children. The incidence of lymphangioma is estimated to be less than 2 cases per 100,000 individuals in the United States. [[Lymphangioma]] commonly affects individuals younger than 5 years of age. [[Lymphangioma]] affects men and women equally. There is no racial predilection to the [[Lymphangioma|lymphangioma.]] [[CT scan|CT s]]<nowiki/>can may be diagnostic of [[lymphangioma]]. Findings on CT scan suggestive of lymphangioma include a homogeneous, [[cystic]], mass that may demonstrate intrinsic [[septa|septations]] and compression of adjacent organs. The mainstay of therapy for [[lymphangioma]] is [[surgery]]. Treatment for [[lymphangioma]] involves the removal of the abnormal tissue; however complete removal may be impossible without removing other normal areas. Most patients need at least two procedures done for the removal process to be achieved.<ref name="wiki">Lymphangioma. Wikipedia (2016) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphangioma Accessed on March 3, 2015</ref><ref name="patho">Lymphangioma. PathologyOutlines (2016) http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/softtissuelymphangiomacystic.html Accessed on March 5, 2016</ref>   


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
* [[Lymphangioma]] arises from [[lymph]] vessels, which are normally involved in the re-circulation of excess body [[fluid]] back into the [[blood]] stream.<ref name="pmid18500536">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wiegand S, Eivazi B, Barth PJ, von Rautenfeld DB, Folz BJ, Mandic R, Werner JA |title=Pathogenesis of lymphangiomas |journal=Virchows Arch. |volume=453 |issue=1 |pages=1–8 |date=July 2008 |pmid=18500536 |doi=10.1007/s00428-008-0611-z |url=}}</ref>
* [[Lymphangioma]] arises from [[lymph]] vessels, which are normally involved in the re-circulation of excess body [[fluid]] back into the [[blood]] stream.<ref name="pmid18500536">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wiegand S, Eivazi B, Barth PJ, von Rautenfeld DB, Folz BJ, Mandic R, Werner JA |title=Pathogenesis of lymphangiomas |journal=Virchows Arch. |volume=453 |issue=1 |pages=1–8 |date=July 2008 |pmid=18500536 |doi=10.1007/s00428-008-0611-z |url=}}</ref>
* The exact mechanism of development of abnormal [[malformations]] is not known.
* The exact mechanism of development of abnormal [[malformations]] is not known.
* It is suggested that [[lymphangioma]] is formed as a result of one of four mechanisms:  
* It is suggested that [[lymphangioma]] is formed as a result of one of four mechanisms:<ref name="pmid26967121">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chang MB, Newman CC, Davis MD, Lehman JS |title=Acquired lymphangiectasia (lymphangioma circumscriptum) of the vulva: Clinicopathologic study of 11 patients from a single institution and 67 from the literature |journal=Int. J. Dermatol. |volume=55 |issue=9 |pages=e482–7 |date=September 2016 |pmid=26967121 |doi=10.1111/ijd.13264 |url=}}</ref>
** Sequestration of [[lymph]] tissue
** Sequestration of [[lymph]] tissue
** Abnormal [[budding]] of [[lymph]] vessels
** Abnormal [[budding]] of [[lymph]] vessels
Line 15: Line 15:
** Obstruction of [[lymph]] vessels
** Obstruction of [[lymph]] vessels


*Whimster describes [[pathogenesis]] of [[lymphangioma]] as the collection of [[Lymphatic drainage|lymphatic cisterns]] in the deep [[Subcutaneous tissue|subcutaneous]] plane which get detached from normal network, however they keep connected to [[superficial]]  [[lymph]] vessels through short and dilated vessels.<ref name="pmid27134953">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ersoy AO, Oztas E, Saridogan E, Ozler S, Danisman N |title=An Unusual Origin of Fetal Lymphangioma Filling Right Axilla |journal=J Clin Diagn Res |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=QD09–11 |date=March 2016 |pmid=27134953 |pmc=4843338 |doi=10.7860/JCDR/2016/18516.7513 |url=}}</ref>
*Whimster describes [[pathogenesis]] of [[lymphangioma]] as the collection of [[Lymphatic drainage|lymphatic cisterns]] in the deep [[Subcutaneous tissue|subcutaneous]] plane which get detached from normal [[Network motif|network]], however they keep connected to [[superficial]]  [[lymph]] [[vessels]] through short and [[Vessels|dilated vessels]].<ref name="pmid27134953">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ersoy AO, Oztas E, Saridogan E, Ozler S, Danisman N |title=An Unusual Origin of Fetal Lymphangioma Filling Right Axilla |journal=J Clin Diagn Res |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=QD09–11 |date=March 2016 |pmid=27134953 |pmc=4843338 |doi=10.7860/JCDR/2016/18516.7513 |url=}}</ref>


* The cisterns originally [[Derived|derive]] from [[Primitive (integral)|primitive]] [[lymph]] sac, which fail to connect to normal [[Circulatory system|circulation]].  
* The cisterns originally [[Derived|derive]] from [[Primitive (integral)|primitive]] [[lymph]] sac, which fail to connect to normal [[Circulatory system|circulation]].  
* These are covered with thick muscular coat, which on contraction increase intramural pressure.  
* These are covered with thick [[muscular]] coat, which on [[contraction]] increase intramural [[Pressure|pressure.]]
* Ultimately leads to dilated sacs which are visible on [[skin]] as out-pouchings.<ref name="pmid26967121">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chang MB, Newman CC, Davis MD, Lehman JS |title=Acquired lymphangiectasia (lymphangioma circumscriptum) of the vulva: Clinicopathologic study of 11 patients from a single institution and 67 from the literature |journal=Int. J. Dermatol. |volume=55 |issue=9 |pages=e482–7 |date=September 2016 |pmid=26967121 |doi=10.1111/ijd.13264 |url=}}</ref>
* Ultimately leads to dilated sacs which are visible on [[skin]] as out-pouchings.
* Whimster's description is proved with radio-graphic evidence as well.<ref name="pmid15149994">{{cite journal |vauthors=Levy AD, Cantisani V, Miettinen M |title=Abdominal lymphangiomas: imaging features with pathologic correlation |journal=AJR Am J Roentgenol |volume=182 |issue=6 |pages=1485–91 |date=June 2004 |pmid=15149994 |doi=10.2214/ajr.182.6.1821485 |url=}}</ref>
* Whimster's description is proved with radio-graphic evidence as well.<ref name="pmid15149994">{{cite journal |vauthors=Levy AD, Cantisani V, Miettinen M |title=Abdominal lymphangiomas: imaging features with pathologic correlation |journal=AJR Am J Roentgenol |volume=182 |issue=6 |pages=1485–91 |date=June 2004 |pmid=15149994 |doi=10.2214/ajr.182.6.1821485 |url=}}</ref>
** Which showed large multilobulated cisterns extend deep in the dermis and laterally beyond the clinical lesions.  
** Which showed large multilobulated cisterns extend deep in the [[dermis]] and laterally beyond the [[clinical]] lesions.  
** These deep lymphangiomas had no connections with the adjacent normal lymphatics.
** These deep [[Lymphangioma|lymphangiomas]] had no connections with the adjacent normal [[Lymphatic system|lymphatics.]]


* Some lymphangiomas may represent vascular malformations during embryonic development rather than as true neoplasms.
* Some [[Lymphangioma|lymphangiomas]] may represent [[vascular malformation]]<nowiki/>s during [[embryonic development]] rather than as [[Neoplasm|true neoplasms.]]
* For more information on Vascular anamolies. Click here.
* For more information on Vascular anamolies'''. [[Vascular anomalies|Click here.]]'''
* Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–C and VEGF receptor-3 play a key role in development of lymphangiomas.<ref name="pmid163552142">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ferrara N, Kerbel RS |title=Angiogenesis as a therapeutic target |journal=Nature |volume=438 |issue=7070 |pages=967–74 |date=December 2005 |pmid=16355214 |doi=10.1038/nature04483 |url=}}</ref>
* Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–C and VEGF receptor-3 play a key role in development of lymphangiomas.<ref name="pmid163552142">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ferrara N, Kerbel RS |title=Angiogenesis as a therapeutic target |journal=Nature |volume=438 |issue=7070 |pages=967–74 |date=December 2005 |pmid=16355214 |doi=10.1038/nature04483 |url=}}</ref>
 
**Acquired lymphangiomas <ref name="pmid29186257">{{cite journal |vauthors=Oliveti A, Biasi TB, Funchal GDG |title=Lymphangioma secondary to irradiation after mastectomy |journal=An Bras Dermatol |volume=92 |issue=3 |pages=395–397 |date=2017 |pmid=29186257 |pmc=5514585 |doi=10.1590/abd1806-4841.20173952 |url=}}</ref>
*Acquired lymphangiomas <ref name="pmid29186257">{{cite journal |vauthors=Oliveti A, Biasi TB, Funchal GDG |title=Lymphangioma secondary to irradiation after mastectomy |journal=An Bras Dermatol |volume=92 |issue=3 |pages=395–397 |date=2017 |pmid=29186257 |pmc=5514585 |doi=10.1590/abd1806-4841.20173952 |url=}}</ref>
**Acquired lymphangioms arise as a cosequence of any interruption of previously normal lymphatic drainage such as surgery<ref name="pmid28913305">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hwang J, Lee YK, Burm JS |title=Treatment of Tongue Lymphangioma with Intralesional Combination Injection of Steroid, Bleomycin and Bevacizumab |journal=Arch Craniofac Surg |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=54–58 |date=March 2017 |pmid=28913305 |pmc=5556746 |doi=10.7181/acfs.2017.18.1.54 |url=}}</ref>, trauma, Infection, malignancy, and radiation therapy.<ref name="pmid29186257">{{cite journal |vauthors=Oliveti A, Biasi TB, Funchal GDG |title=Lymphangioma secondary to irradiation after mastectomy |journal=An Bras Dermatol |volume=92 |issue=3 |pages=395–397 |date=2017 |pmid=29186257 |pmc=5514585 |doi=10.1590/abd1806-4841.20173952 |url=}}</ref>
Acquired lymphangioms arise as a cosequence of any interruption of previously normal lymphatic drainage such as surgery<ref name="pmid28913305">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hwang J, Lee YK, Burm JS |title=Treatment of Tongue Lymphangioma with Intralesional Combination Injection of Steroid, Bleomycin and Bevacizumab |journal=Arch Craniofac Surg |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=54–58 |date=March 2017 |pmid=28913305 |pmc=5556746 |doi=10.7181/acfs.2017.18.1.54 |url=}}</ref>, trauma, Infection, malignancy, and radiation therapy.<ref name="pmid29186257">{{cite journal |vauthors=Oliveti A, Biasi TB, Funchal GDG |title=Lymphangioma secondary to irradiation after mastectomy |journal=An Bras Dermatol |volume=92 |issue=3 |pages=395–397 |date=2017 |pmid=29186257 |pmc=5514585 |doi=10.1590/abd1806-4841.20173952 |url=}}</ref>


==Causes==  
==Causes==  
*There are no known direct causes for lymphangioma.
*There are no known direct causes for [[lymphangioma]].
*Cystic hygroma usually presents in syndromes such as Turner syndrome and Down syndrome. Therefore it is thought that the lymphatic malformations can arise from gene mutations, occuring as missing or deleted part of chromosomes.<ref name="pmid24999641">{{cite journal |vauthors=Pootrakul L, Nazareth MR, Cheney RT, Grassi MA |title=Lymphangioma circumscriptum of the vulva in a patient with Noonan syndrome |journal=Cutis |volume=93 |issue=6 |pages=297–300 |date=June 2014 |pmid=24999641 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
*[[Hygroma|Cystic hygroma]] usually presents in syndromes such as [[Turner syndrome]] and [[Down syndrome]]. Therefore it is thought that the [[Lymphatic system|lymphati]]<nowiki/>c malformations can arise from gene mutations, occuring as missing or deleted part of chromosomes.<ref name="pmid24999641">{{cite journal |vauthors=Pootrakul L, Nazareth MR, Cheney RT, Grassi MA |title=Lymphangioma circumscriptum of the vulva in a patient with Noonan syndrome |journal=Cutis |volume=93 |issue=6 |pages=297–300 |date=June 2014 |pmid=24999641 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
*Acquired lymphangioma circumscriptum occur as a sequele of chronic lymphatic obstruction such as after surgery, infections or radiotherapy.
*Acquired lymphangioma circumscriptum occur as a sequele of [[Chronic (medical)|chronic]] [[lymphatic obstruction]] such as after [[surgery]], [[Infection|infections]] or [[Radiotherapy|radiotherapy.]]


==Differentiating Lymphangioma from other Diseases==
==Differentiating Lymphangioma from other Diseases==
Lymphangioma must be differentiated from [[arteriovenous malformation]], [[branchial cleft]] [[cyst]], and [[dermoid cyst]].
[[Lymphangioma]] must be differentiated from [[arteriovenous malformation]], [[branchial cleft]] [[cyst]], and [[dermoid cyst]].


==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
*Lymphangiomas are rare, accounting for 4% of all vascular tumors among children.<ref name="pmid27134953">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ersoy AO, Oztas E, Saridogan E, Ozler S, Danisman N |title=An Unusual Origin of Fetal Lymphangioma Filling Right Axilla |journal=J Clin Diagn Res |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=QD09–11 |date=March 2016 |pmid=27134953 |pmc=4843338 |doi=10.7860/JCDR/2016/18516.7513 |url=}}</ref>
*[[Lymphangioma|Lymphangiomas]] are rare, accounting for 4% of all vascular tumors among children.<ref name="pmid27134953">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ersoy AO, Oztas E, Saridogan E, Ozler S, Danisman N |title=An Unusual Origin of Fetal Lymphangioma Filling Right Axilla |journal=J Clin Diagn Res |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=QD09–11 |date=March 2016 |pmid=27134953 |pmc=4843338 |doi=10.7860/JCDR/2016/18516.7513 |url=}}</ref>
*The incidence of lymphangioma is estimated to be less than 2 cases per 100,000 individuals in the United States.
*The incidence of [[lymphangioma]] is estimated to be less than 2 cases per 100,000 individuals in the United States.
*Lymphangioma commonly affects individuals younger than 5 years of age.
*[[Lymphangioma]] commonly affects individuals younger than 5 years of age.
*Lymphangioma affects men and women equally.  
*[[Lymphangioma]] affects men and women equally.  
*There is no racial predilection to the lymphangioma.
*There is no racial predilection to the [[lymphangioma]].


==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
The most potent risk factor in the development of lymphangioma is the presence of genetic disorders such as [[Turner syndrome]], [[Down syndrome]], and [[Noonan syndrome]].<ref name="pmid24999641" />
The most potent risk factor in the development of [[lymphangioma]] is the presence of genetic disorders such as [[Turner syndrome]], [[Down syndrome]], and [[Noonan syndrome]].<ref name="pmid24999641" />


==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
 
* Most of the patients with lymphangioma will develop a cervico-facial mass that often grows in proportion to the patient’s body growth rate.
Lymphangioma arises from lymph vessels, which are normally involved in the re-circulation of excess body fluid back into the blood stream. The exact pathogenesis of lymphangioma is not fully understood. It is thought that lymphangioma is caused by either sequestration of lymph tissue, abnormal budding of lymph vessels, lack of fusion with the venous system, or obstruction of lymph vessels. Lymphangiomas most commonly develop at the head and neck regions. Lymphangioma is associated with a number of conditions that include Turner syndrome and Down syndrome. On gross pathology, characteristic findings of lymphangioma include a grey-white, well circumscribed, edematous mass with a variable size and consistency. On microscopic histopathological analysis, characteristic findings of lymphangioma include thin walled endothelial lining, intraluminal accumulation of eosinophilic deposits, and clusters of intraluminal lymphocytes.
* The mass usually recurs after [[surgical]] interventions.  
Most of the patients with lymphangioma will develop a cervico-facial mass that often grows in proportion to the patient’s body growth rate. The mass usually recurs after [[surgical]] interventions. Common complications of lymphangioma include [[esophageal]] obstruction, [[upper respiratory tract]] obstruction, [[infection]]s, and compression of adjacent tissues such as [[nerves]] and [[blood vessel]]s. Prognosis of lymphangioma is generally excellent.
* Common complications of lymphangioma include [[esophageal]] obstruction, [[upper respiratory tract]] obstruction, [[infection]]s, and compression of adjacent tissues such as [[nerves]] and [[blood vessel]]s. Prognosis of lymphangioma is generally excellent.


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
===History and Symptoms===
===History and Symptoms===
The majority of patients with lymphangioma are asymptomatic.
The majority of patients with l[[Lymphangioma|ymphangioma]] are asymptomatic.


===Physical Exam===
===Physical Exam===
Lymphangioma patients often appear healthy. On physical exam a painless , compressible, soft [[neck]] mass that often transilluminates is a diagnostic finding on physical exam.
[[Lymphangioma]] patients often appear healthy. On physical exam a painless , compressible, soft [[neck]] mass that often transilluminates is a diagnostic finding on physical exam.


===Laboratory Findings===
===Laboratory Findings===
Line 68: Line 67:


===MRI===
===MRI===
MRI may be diagnostic of lymphangioma. Findings on MRI suggestive of lymphangioma include hyperintense signal enhancement due to cyst formation.
MRI may be diagnostic of [[Lymphangioma|lymphangioma.]] Findings on [[MRI]] suggestive of [[lymphangioma]] include hyperintense signal enhancement due to cyst formation.


===Other Diagnostic Studies ===
===Other Diagnostic Studies ===
The definitive diagnosis of lymphangioma is confirmed by a [[biopsy]]. Characteristic findings for lymphangioma on microscopic histopathological analysis can be found [[Lymphangioma pathophysiology|'''here''']].
The definitive diagnosis of [[lymphangioma]] is confirmed by a [[biopsy]]. Characteristic findings for [[lymphangioma]] on microscopic [[histopathological]] analysis can be found [[Lymphangioma pathophysiology|'''here''']].
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
===Medical Therapy===
===Medical Therapy===
There is no medical treatment for lymphangioma; the mainstay of therapy is surgery.  
There is no medical treatment for [[lymphangioma]]; the mainstay of therapy is surgery.  
===Surgery===
===Surgery===
The mainstay of therapy for lymphangioma is surgery. Treatment for lymphangioma involves the removal of the abnormal tissue; however complete removal may be impossible without removing other normal areas. Most patients need at least two procedures done for the removal process to be achieved.  
The mainstay of therapy for [[lymphangioma]] is surgery. Treatment for [[lymphangioma]] involves the removal of the abnormal tissue; however complete removal may be impossible without removing other normal areas. Most patients need at least two procedures done for the removal process to be achieved.  
==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

Revision as of 18:51, 15 October 2018

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Haytham Allaham, M.D. [2] Badria Munir M.B.B.S.[3]

Overview

Lymphangioma arises from lymph vessels, which are normally involved in the re-circulation of excess body fluid back into the blood stream. The exact pathogenesis of lymphangioma is not fully understood. It is thought that lymphangioma is caused by either sequestration of lymph tissue, abnormal budding of lymph vessels, lack of fusion with the venous system, or obstruction of lymph vessels. Lymphangiomas most commonly develop at the head and neck regions. Lymphangioma is associated with a number of conditions that include Turner syndrome and Down syndrome. On gross pathology, characteristic findings of lymphangioma include a grey-white, well circumscribed, edematous mass with a variable size and consistency. On microscopic histopathological analysis, characteristic findings of lymphangioma include thin walled endothelial lining, intraluminal accumulation of eosinophilic deposits, and clusters of intraluminal lymphocytes. There are no known direct causes for lymphangioma. Lymphangioma must be differentiated from arteriovenous malformation, branchial cleft cyst, and dermoid cyst. Lymphangiomas are rare, accounting for 4% of all vascular tumors among children. The incidence of lymphangioma is estimated to be less than 2 cases per 100,000 individuals in the United States. Lymphangioma commonly affects individuals younger than 5 years of age. Lymphangioma affects men and women equally. There is no racial predilection to the lymphangioma. CT scan may be diagnostic of lymphangioma. Findings on CT scan suggestive of lymphangioma include a homogeneous, cystic, mass that may demonstrate intrinsic septations and compression of adjacent organs. The mainstay of therapy for lymphangioma is surgery. Treatment for lymphangioma involves the removal of the abnormal tissue; however complete removal may be impossible without removing other normal areas. Most patients need at least two procedures done for the removal process to be achieved.[1][2]

Pathophysiology

  • Lymphangioma arises from lymph vessels, which are normally involved in the re-circulation of excess body fluid back into the blood stream.[3]
  • The exact mechanism of development of abnormal malformations is not known.
  • It is suggested that lymphangioma is formed as a result of one of four mechanisms:[4]
  • The cisterns originally derive from primitive lymph sac, which fail to connect to normal circulation.
  • These are covered with thick muscular coat, which on contraction increase intramural pressure.
  • Ultimately leads to dilated sacs which are visible on skin as out-pouchings.
  • Whimster's description is proved with radio-graphic evidence as well.[6]
    • Which showed large multilobulated cisterns extend deep in the dermis and laterally beyond the clinical lesions.
    • These deep lymphangiomas had no connections with the adjacent normal lymphatics.
  • Some lymphangiomas may represent vascular malformations during embryonic development rather than as true neoplasms.
  • For more information on Vascular anamolies. Click here.
  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–C and VEGF receptor-3 play a key role in development of lymphangiomas.[7]
    • Acquired lymphangiomas [8]
    • Acquired lymphangioms arise as a cosequence of any interruption of previously normal lymphatic drainage such as surgery[9], trauma, Infection, malignancy, and radiation therapy.[8]

Causes

Differentiating Lymphangioma from other Diseases

Lymphangioma must be differentiated from arteriovenous malformation, branchial cleft cyst, and dermoid cyst.

Epidemiology and Demographics

  • Lymphangiomas are rare, accounting for 4% of all vascular tumors among children.[5]
  • The incidence of lymphangioma is estimated to be less than 2 cases per 100,000 individuals in the United States.
  • Lymphangioma commonly affects individuals younger than 5 years of age.
  • Lymphangioma affects men and women equally.
  • There is no racial predilection to the lymphangioma.

Risk Factors

The most potent risk factor in the development of lymphangioma is the presence of genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, and Noonan syndrome.[10]

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

  • Most of the patients with lymphangioma will develop a cervico-facial mass that often grows in proportion to the patient’s body growth rate.
  • The mass usually recurs after surgical interventions.
  • Common complications of lymphangioma include esophageal obstruction, upper respiratory tract obstruction, infections, and compression of adjacent tissues such as nerves and blood vessels. Prognosis of lymphangioma is generally excellent.

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

The majority of patients with lymphangioma are asymptomatic.

Physical Exam

Lymphangioma patients often appear healthy. On physical exam a painless , compressible, soft neck mass that often transilluminates is a diagnostic finding on physical exam.

Laboratory Findings

There are no diagnostic lab findings associated with lymphangioma.

CT Scan

CT scan may be diagnostic of lymphangioma. Findings on CT scan suggestive of lymphangioma include a homogeneous, cystic, mass that may demonstrate intrinsic septations and compression of adjacent organs.

MRI

MRI may be diagnostic of lymphangioma. Findings on MRI suggestive of lymphangioma include hyperintense signal enhancement due to cyst formation.

Other Diagnostic Studies

The definitive diagnosis of lymphangioma is confirmed by a biopsy. Characteristic findings for lymphangioma on microscopic histopathological analysis can be found here.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

There is no medical treatment for lymphangioma; the mainstay of therapy is surgery.

Surgery

The mainstay of therapy for lymphangioma is surgery. Treatment for lymphangioma involves the removal of the abnormal tissue; however complete removal may be impossible without removing other normal areas. Most patients need at least two procedures done for the removal process to be achieved.

References

  1. Lymphangioma. Wikipedia (2016) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphangioma Accessed on March 3, 2015
  2. Lymphangioma. PathologyOutlines (2016) http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/softtissuelymphangiomacystic.html Accessed on March 5, 2016
  3. Wiegand S, Eivazi B, Barth PJ, von Rautenfeld DB, Folz BJ, Mandic R, Werner JA (July 2008). "Pathogenesis of lymphangiomas". Virchows Arch. 453 (1): 1–8. doi:10.1007/s00428-008-0611-z. PMID 18500536.
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