Introduction:
Lymphangiomas are non-cancerous lesions. It is a common type of vascular disease that is congenital. It is caused due to improper functioning of the lymphatic system. Its prevalence is more seen in children. In some cases, lymphangiomas do not need treatment as they are of non-cancerous origin. While in some cases, due to the large size of the cyst, removal of the cyst is suggested.
What Is Lymphangioma?
Lymphangioma, or lymphatic malformation, is an uncommon fluid-filled, non-cancerous growth under the skin (cyst). The overgrowth of lymph vessels usually causes it. The lymphatic fluid, or the white blood cells, move throughout the bloodstream and tissues with the help of lymph vessels (or channels). If there is a blockage in the lymph vessels, the fluid accumulates at the blockage site to form a cyst. Lymph works with the body's defense mechanism against any foreign body infection. Most lymphangiomas occur at the birth of the child. They are mostly seen on the head and neck region, although they can appear anywhere on the body. Almost 75 % of lymphomas occur in this region of the body. These rare tumors include four percent of all vascular tumors (made from the cells forming blood vessels and lymph vessels).
Who Does Lymphangioma Affect?
They are primarily seen in children from birth till five years of age. It is most commonly seen in children with congenital deformities or genetic conditions such as
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Down’s Syndrome:
It is a condition in which a person is born with one extra chromosome, chromosome 21. The total number of chromosomes becomes 47 instead of 46. This affects the brain and body development of the person.
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Noonan Syndrome:
It affects any part of the children's body: mostly facial features, short stature, and heart problems.
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Turner’s Syndrome:
It is caused due to complete or partial missing of the X-chromosome. It affects females. The symptoms of Turner’s syndrome are short stature, lack of breast development, and menstrual cycle.
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Trisomy 18:
It is also known as Edward syndrome. It affects the physical growth of the child. Life expectancy is also reduced in people suffering from this condition due to many life-threatening complications.
What Are the Causes of Lymphangioma?
The exact reason for causing lymphoma cannot be determined. It is seen in most cases that lymphangioma is caused due to the improper functioning of the lymphatic system during fetal growth or due to errors caused by cell division. This error causes a dysfunctional lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of blood vessels in the body that consists of blood vessels, tissues, and organs for carrying lymphatic fluid, which carries white blood cells throughout the bloodstream and tissues. It regulates the body's fluid to help the immune system work properly. Any fluid obstruction in the lymph vessels accumulates, resulting in a pool of fluid. This causes the formation of a fluid-filled bump in the skin (cyst).
What Are the Symptoms of Lymphangioma?
Lymphangiomas can be localized to a certain area of the body or can be present throughout the body. The symptoms depend on the size and location of the cyst, including
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Cystic Hygroma (Cystic Lymphangioma):
It is a red to blue swollen, fluid-filled mass mainly found on the neck, groin, or armpit.
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Cavernous Lymphangioma:
A red to blue swollen rubbery mass which is often present on the tongue but can form anywhere on the body.
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Lymphangioma Circumscriptum:
A small clear pink to red to brown or black pimple-like fluid-filled blisters found on the mouth, shoulder, neck, arms, and legs.
All cysts of any size contain fluid. A clear fluid leaks out if any injury breaks or opens the cyst.
Lymphangiomas do not cause pain and are not itchy. They are usually benign (non-malignant) and are rarely life-threatening until the cyst blocks any vital organ. For example, lymphangioma in the eye socket causes double vision, and a swollen tongue can cause speech and eating difficulties. Lymphangiomas affecting the chest can cause chest pain or breathing difficulties.
What Are the Types of Lymphangioma?
Lymphangioma can be of different types depending on their size, such as
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Macrocytic: These lymphangiomas are bigger than two centimeters with well-defined borders. Their appearance is a bluish-red spongy mass.
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Microcytic: These lymphangiomas are smaller than two centimeters with ill-defined borders. Their growth is seen in clusters as tiny blisters.
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Mixed or Combined: As their name suggests, they are the combination of the other two types of lymphangiomas.
How Is Lymphangioma Diagnosed?
Lymphangioma is diagnosed with the help of the following methods
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Pre-natal Ultrasound:
In this method, a cyst is detected before the child’s birth.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Or Ct-Scan (Computed Tomography) Or Ultrasound:
This is done after the birth when the doctors notice a cyst and to learn more bout the size and cause of the cyst.
If the presence of lymphangiomas is absent at the birth of the child, the cyst can occur till two years of age from birth or sometimes till five years. Cyst becomes more noticeable with age.
How Is Lymphangioma Treated?
The treatment protocol depends upon the size of the cyst. No treatment is advised for a small cyst with mild or absent symptoms. Several therapies are suggested in case of large, uncomfortable, or when the growth affects the child's well-being. The cyst removal can be done in the following ways-
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Surgery: This involves cutting and removing the cyst. It can be difficult in cases where the cyst is near a vital organ and nerves.
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Sclerotherapy: This therapy involves injecting a chemical into the mass to shrink and collapse it. Sclerotherapy has the same success rate as that surgery, with fewer complications.
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Laser Therapy: A laser or needle destroys the mass by delivering current.
Conclusion:
This article gives details of lymphangioma, its causes, types, symptoms, and treatment. Lymphangioma is a noncancerous condition in which fluid gets filled under the skin to form a cyst. It is caused due to the malfunctioning of the lymphatic system in fetal development. The signs and symptoms depend on the location and severity of the tumor. These growths are usually seen in children from birth up to five years of age. The treatment of lymphangioma includes surgery, laser, and sclerotherapy. However, in some cases, destroying every cell of lymphangioma is impossible, so various therapies are continued for the long term.
