A rare case of cystic hygroma in neck and extending into thoracic cavity

Abstract

Highlights Cystic Hygroma in Neck and Thorax. Multi disciplinary team approach in the treatment of neck and thorax cystic hygroma. Surgical management of huge cystic hygroma.

An Atlas of Lumps and Bumps: Part 16

“…6 Approximately 50% to 60% of cases are identified before 1 year of age, and 80% to 90% of cases are diagnosed by 3 years of age. 1,7,13 Onset in adulthood is rare. 1,14 Approximately 75% of cystic hygromas occur in the neck, typically in the posterior cervical triangle, and lower part of the face.…”

“…1,14 Approximately 75% of cystic hygromas occur in the neck, typically in the posterior cervical triangle, and lower part of the face. [1][2][3][4]6,7,12,13 Cystic hygromas occur twice as often on the left side of the neck than on the right. 5 They are usually unilateral but can be bilateral.…”

“…3,4 In the majority of cases, the cause is idiopathic. 7 Cystic hygroma might follow maternal exposure to alcohol, aminopterin, or trimethadione. 3,4 The condition is more common in patients with chromosomal abnormalities (such as Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and Down syndrome) and in patients with Noonan syndrome, Proteus syndrome, multiple pterygium syndrome, Roberts syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.…”

“…[8][9][10] The condition may also be inherited as an autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant trait. 7,11 A cystic hygroma typically presents as a soft, nontender, multilocular cystic swelling that is compressible, fluctuant, and brilliantly translucent (Figures 1 and 2). The fluid contained inside the cyst is serous, serosanguinous, or straw-colored.…”

“…The fluid contained inside the cyst is serous, serosanguinous, or straw-colored. 2,7,9,12 The size varies from 1 to 30 cm…”