Cystic Hygroma in Adulthood - A Case Report

Abstract

Cystic Hygroma or Cystic Lymphagioma is a rare tumour of lymphatic origin, which is considered to be a congenital malformation of the lymphatic vessels due to failure of blind clusters of lymph sacs to join the lymphatic system during development. 90% of cases are diagnosed by age of 2 years. Very rarely for unknown reasons it can present in adults (mainly in cervicofacial region). Complete excision is the treatment of choice but total removal is difficult in all cases due to its extent and involvement of vital structures. Recurrence rate of 20% is reported even after meticulous care to avoid leaving behind island of tissue which acts as foci of recurrence. A 25 year old female patient presentedto our hospital with progressive painless swelling in the left side of neck associated with discomfort while moving her neck to left side. After radiological imaging and other investigations, excision of cystic swelling was done under GA without any damage to vital structures. Post operative period was uneventful and patient was discharged 3 days after surgery.

Keywords

• lymphangioma
• recurrence
• transilluminant