Cystic hygroma

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Lymph tissue in the head and neck.

lymphangioma

Treatment involves complete removal of the abnormal tissue whenever possible. However, cystic hygromas can often invade other neck structures, making this impossible. In these cases, other treatments have been attempted with only limited success. These include injection of sclerosing agents, steroids, chemotherapy agents, and radiation therapy.

The outlook is good if surgery can totally remove the abnormal tissue. In cases where complete removal is not possible because of involvement of neighboring nerves or blood vessels, recurrence is common.

Bleeding, infection, recurrence of the cystic hygroma, and damage to structures in the neck caused by surgery.

If you notice a lump in your neck or your child's neck, call your doctor.

Review Date: 08/03/2006
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center atBrooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.