Lymphangioma of the tongue: Response to intralesional steroids

Abstract

A 10-year-old boy presented with lymphangioma involving the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Excellent cosmetic and functional results were achieved with multiple intralesional steroid injections. Various treatment modalities advocated for lymphangioma of the tongue are discussed.

Preoperative intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide for a large head and neck lymphangioma in a baby: a case report

“…3 The most common location of LMs is the head and neck region, but they can also occur on the trunk, extremities, face, or oral cavity. 2,3 Occasionally, the lesions can be painful and/or bleed; additionally, they have been associated with lymphopenia, leading to a higher risk of infections for these patients. 1 The mortality rate of this pathology varies from 3.4 to 5.7%.…”

“…These include sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided needle decompression of the cysts, or intralesional corticosteroid injections. 2,6 Lymphangiomas are hypothesized to originate in locations corresponding to the six primary lymph sacs, secondary to closure of the embryological lymphatic tissue and of parts of those primitive sacs, which arise during the fifth week of gestation. 3,4 This particular case, and other cervicofacial LMs, most likely arose from the jugular sac.…”

“…However, the main limitation with this approach was the potential damage to nearby vital structures. 2,3,[5][6][7] Subtotal resection increased the already high recurrence rate (15-53%). 3,4,6 Intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide may offer a better option for presurgical treatment and improve the likelihood of complete resection of the lesion.…”

“…3 Lymphangiomas have been classified into four histological types: lymphangioma simplex, cavernous lymphangioma, cystic hygroma, and lymphangiosarcoma; potentially representing a continuum of pathological evolution. 2 They can be subdivided into micro-and macrocystic, corresponding to a cyst size less than or greater than 1 cm, respectively. 3 These lesions can be solitary or multifocal, with waxing and waning growth patterns.…”

“…1 About half of these lesions are diagnosed at birth, and by two years of age, 90% of those with lesions have been diagnosed. 2 Histologically, LMs are benign lesions; however, they can pose a serious threat to the patient due to possible growth into surrounding structures, sometimes causing life-threatening complications. Treatment of large head and neck lymphangiomas in young infants is very challenging, due to the risk of surgical complications.…”