Eur J Pediatr Surg 2011; 21(4): 242-245
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1271810
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Lymphatic Malformations Involving the Parotid Gland

S. Wiegand1 , A. P. Zimmermann1 , B. Eivazi1 , A. M. Sesterhenn1 , J. A. Werner1
  • 1Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Marburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received December 30, 2010

accepted after revision January 29, 2011

Publication Date:
15 March 2011 (online)

Abstract

Introduction: Cases of salivary gland involvement of lymphatic malformations have been occasionally reported in the literature. Of all the lymphatic malformations in the salivary glands, the parotid is the most common site. The present study aimed to analyze a series of lymphatic malformations of the parotid gland.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the localization, symptoms, management and outcome was performed.

Results: Out of a total of 20 patients with lymphatic malformations of the parotid gland, 4 patients suffered from lymphatic malformations limited to the parotid gland (type I) and 16 patients from extensive cervicofacial lymphatic malformations involving the parotid gland (typeII). In 2 cases with type I disease and 4 cases with type II disease the malformations could be completely resected. In 3 patients with type II lymphatic malformations a partial resection was performed. The other patients were closely observed. 8 of them had already been treated elsewhere with surgery, sclerotherapy or laser therapy. One patient suffered from facial paralysis and 1 from transient facial nerve weakness immediately after surgery. In all, 11 patients suffered from persistent lymphatic malformations despite several attempts to reduce or resect the lymphatic malformation.

Conclusion: The treatment of lymphatic malformations of the parotid gland remains challenging and persistent disease after therapy is common. Care should be taken to excise the entire malformation during initial surgery in order to avoid recurrence.

References

  • 1 Wiegand S, Eivazi B, Barth PJ. et al . Pathogenesis of lymphatic malformations.  Virch Arch. 2008;  453 1-8
  • 2 Heether J, Whalen T, Doolin E. Follow-up of complex unresectable lymphatic malformations.  Am Surg. 1994;  60 840-841
  • 3 Marler J, Mulliken J. Current management of hemangiomas and vascular malformations.  Clin Plastic Surg. 2005;  32 99-116
  • 4 Stenson KM, Mishelle J, Toriumi DM. Cystic hygroma of the parotid gland.  Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1991;  100 518-520
  • 5 Yaita T, Onodera K, Xu H. et al . Histomorphometrical study in cavernous lymphatic malformation of the tongue.  Oral Diseases. 2007;  13 99-104
  • 6 Eivazi B, Ardelean M, Bäumler W. et al . Update on hemangiomas and vascular malformations of the head and neck.  Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2009;  266 187-197
  • 7 Riechelmann H, Muehlfay G, Keck T. et al . Total, subtotal and partial surgical removal of cervicofacial lymphangiomas.  Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;  125 643-648
  • 8 Hellman JR, Myer CM, Prenger EC. Therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of life-threatening vasoformative tumors.  Am J Otolaryngol. 1992;  13 48-53
  • 9 Giguere CM, Bauman NM, Smith RJ. New treatment options for lymphangioma in infants and children.  Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2002;  111 1066-1075
  • 10 Tsui S, Huang J. Parotid lymphangioma. A case report.  Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1996;  34 273-278
  • 11 Kern S, Niemeyer C, Darge K. et al . Differentiation of vascular birthmarks by MR imaging.  Acta Radiol. 2003;  41 453-457
  • 12 Kennedy TL, Whitaker M, Pellitteri P. et al . Cystic hygroma/lymphangioma: a rational approach to management.  Laryngoscope. 2001;  111 1929-1937
  • 13 Wiegand S, Eivazi B, Karger R. et al . Surgery in patients with vascular malformations of the head and neck: value of coagulation disorders.  Phlebology. 2009;  24 38-42
  • 14 Wiegand S, Eivazi B, Zimmermann AP. et al . Sclerotherapy of lymphangiomas of the head and neck.  Head Neck. 2010 Aug;  24 [epub ahead of print]
  • 15 Wiegand S, Eivazi B, Sel S. et al . Analysis of cytokine levels in human lymphatic malformations.  In Vivo. 2008;  22 253-256
  • 16 Yoo JC, Ahn Y, Lim YS. et al . OK-432 sclerotherapy in head and neck lymphangiomas: Long-term follow-up result.  Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009;  140 120-123

Correspondence

Dr. Susanne Wiegand

Philipps-University of Marburg

Department of Otolaryngology,

Head and Neck Surgery

Deutschhausstraße 3

35037 Marburg

Germany

Phone: + 49 6421 586 6808

Fax: + 49 6421 586 6367

Email: swiegand@med.uni-marburg.de