Management of Head and Neck Lymphatic Malformations

Abstract

Lymphatic malformations are congenital vascular malformations most commonly found in the head and neck and typically presenting early in life. Although this disease entity has been recognized for more than a century, there is currently no standardization of disease staging or classification, of treatment paradigms, or of outcome measures. A wide variety of treatment modalities have been proposed. This article reviews diagnostic, evaluation, and treatment strategies for head and neck lymphatic malformations. It also provides the reader specific information to improve treatment outcomes in patients with these lesions. Finally, it advocates for standardization of LM assessment and treatment.