Lymphangioma

What is Lymphangioma?

This is a benign, meaning non-cancerous, growth that can be found in you lymphatic system. This is the system that is an extensive interconnected system of nodes, vessels, and spaces allowing your body to circulate lymph which is a fluid that is made from other fluids and protein. Most of these abnormalities occur in children under the age of two. They can be there when the baby is born or it shows up later. Having lymphangioma does not pose a health threat unless it happens in the fetus. If they show up in the early part of fetal development the cystic lymphangioma can cause the accumulation of fluid and can result in the death of the fetus. When a child has lymphangioma it can form on any mucous membrane or the skin but it is mostly found on the neck and groin area.

Lymphangioma Symptoms

The symptoms vary according to the type of lymphangioma you have.

Cystic

These are fluid filled and large in size and may appear as bulges under your skin. This type is frequently found on your groin, armpits, and neck accompanied by mild pain when the swollen area is compressed.

Cavernous

These are similar to the cystic type but are usually found deeper under your skin of your mouth or neck and appear a thickening or bulge of your skin. They are also likely to spread. They vary in size from as little as a centimeter to several centimeters wide. There have been some cases in which they affect an entire extremity like your foot or hand. This type is usually painless but when pressure is exerted on the area you might feel pain that is mild.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum

These consist of various sized red or pink blister clusters on the surface of your skin.

They usually appear under your skin as a fluid filled reddish or yellowish bubble or series of bubbles.

Although these are not symptoms it is still something that a person needs to know which is that when you have lymphangioma it can cause complications like infections and bleeding. If it is large it could obstruct the mucus membranes and your respiratory system. This could cause distress breathing. They can also be an early indicator of chromosomal or genetic disorders.

Lymphangioma Causes

Lymphangioma is often formed during fetal development because of a blockage and subsequent tangling in your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is an important part of your immune system which is where the bacteria and any other foreign substances are destroyed. Having a lymphatic blockage can be caused a variety of factors like alcohol consumption by the mother while pregnant or an infection.

How is Lymphangioma Diagnosed?

To diagnosis lymphangioma in a fetus the gynecologist will have an ultrasound along with a testing done by taking some amniotic fluid from the uterus and testing it to see if the fetus has lymphangioma.

Lymphangioma Pictures

Collection of Photos, Images and Pictures of Lymphangioma…

Lymphangioma Treatment

Because the lymphangioma does not have a chance of becoming malignant most them are treated for cosmetic reason. In cases that are not severe draining the fluid could give you short-term relief. Some patients have radiotherapy which is a form of medical therapy that involves using ionizing radiation. The most effective treatment to use that causes the least damaging to the surrounding healthy tissue is surgical removal.