Cervicofacial Lymphatic Malformations: A Retrospective Review of 40 Cases

• Main Authors: Byung Chae Cho, Jae Bong Kim, Jeong Woo Lee, Kang Young Choi, Jung Dug Yang, Seok-Jong Lee, Yong-Sun Kim, Jong Min Lee, Seung Huh, Ho Yun Chung
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2016-01-01
• Series: Archives of Plastic Surgery
• Subjects: Lymphatic abnormalities; Lymphangioma; Sclerotherapy
• Online Access: http://www.e-aps.org/upload/pdf/aps-43-10.pdf
• ISSN: 2234-6163; 2234-6171

BackgroundLymphatic malformation (LM) is a form of congenital vascular malformation with a low incidence. Although LM has been studied, no consensus has emerged regarding its cause or treatment.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively evaluated 40 patients who visited our vascular anomalies center for the treatment of cervicofacial LM, which is a common manifestation of LM. The medical records of patients over a period of 12 years were reviewed and analyzed for commonalities regarding the diagnosis and the results of treatment.ResultsSuspected cervicofacial LM was confirmed through imaging studies. No difference in incidence was observed according to sex, and 73% of patients first presented with symptoms before the age of two years. The left side and the V2–V3 area were most commonly affected. No significant differences in incidence were observed among the macrocystic, microcystic, and combined types of LM. A total of 28 out of 36 patients received sclerotherapy as the first choice of treatment, regardless of the type of lesion. Complete resolution was achieved in only 25% of patients.ConclusionsLM is important to confirm the diagnosis early and to choose an appropriate treatment strategy according to the stage of the disease and each individual patient's symptoms. When treatment is delayed or an incorrect treatment is administered, patient discomfort increases as the lesion gradually spreads. Therefore, more so than is the case for most other diseases, a team approach on a case-by-case basis is important for the accurate and appropriate treatment of LM.