Recurrent bilateral cystic hygroma of the submandibular space in an adult patient

Abstract

Cystic hygroma is an uncommon type of benign neoplasm of lymphangioma commonly seen in children, rarely reported in adults. Most of the cases occur in head and neck region. The etiology and pathogenesis of this entity are still unclear. Clinically, they present as painless, soft, compressible, progressively enlarging mass. Various treatment methods have been described, but surgery remains the treatment of choice. Incomplete excision results in recurrence. We present a unique case of bilateral submandibular area cystic hygroma in an adult female patient with a history of recurrence twice.

Keywords

• Cystic hygroma
• head and neck
• lymphangioma
• submandibular area