Cervicofacial lymphatic malformations: diagnosis and management

Abstract

BackgroundLymphatic malformations are rare benign tumors that result from congenital and acquired alterations of the lymphatic vessels. They occur most commonly on the head and neck region.The aim of this study is to describe clinical profiles of lymphatic malformations of the head and neck (LMHN) as well as to study therapeutic modalities through our series and review of the literature.ResultsThis is a retrospective record-based descriptive study conducted in the ENT and the Radiology departments over a 17-year period. Our study included twelve patients, aged between 8 months and 52 years. Two swellings were present at birth and had not been prenatally diagnosed in both cases. One patient was affected by TRISOMY 21.All patients consulted for a painless mass of the head or neck. Seven masses were located in the suprahyoid region and five in the infrahyoid region. Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were realized to establish the diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesions.Surgical excision was performed in 7 patients. It was complete in 6 patients. Five patients were treated with sclerotherapy. The sclerosing agents used were Aetoxisclerol 2%, hypertonic saline, and absolute alcohol. One patient had a reversible paresis of the left mental nerve after surgery. An excellent response to sclerotherapy with complete resolution was obtained in 3 cases with no recurrence of the disease.ConclusionsSurgical excision has been the management option of choice for LMHN. The recent advances in sclerotherapy make it safe and effective as a primary treatment modality for these lesions.