Cervicofacial Cystic Lymphangiomas and Review of the Literature: About 2 Cases at Donka National Hospital

Abstract

In this retrospective study, conducted over 7 years (2009-2016) at the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital, we report 2 cases of cervicofacial cystic lymphangiomas. They were a 28-month-old girl and a 2-year-old boy. The symptomatology was noted after their birth. Dyspnea and dysphagia were found in the boy. They had a satisfactory general condition. ENT examination noted a cystic-like tumor syndrome. Imaging showed evidence of a cystic lymphangioma of the cervicofacial region. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. All patients underwent exeresis cervicotomy. We found adhesion of the lymphangioma cyst to the internal jugular vein in the children. The boy presented a paralysis of the chin branch of the facial nerve after the surgery. We did not find any tumor recurrence. However, cystic cervicofacial lymphangiomas are a particular aspect of surgical pathology in children in Africa. In spite of the advent of sclerosing products, surgery remains for us the treatment of choice.