Background Lymphatic 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.
Methods In 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.
Results Suspected 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.
Conclusions LM 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.
Keywords
Lymphatic abnormalities - Lymphangioma - Sclerotherapy
