Lymphatic Malformations of the Head and Neck in Adults: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Lymphatic malformations (LMs), primarily diagnosed in children, are uncommon in adults. Nevertheless, one should consider LM in one's differential diagnosis in cases of adult neck masses. We report the oldest known patient with an LM, a 91-year-old woman. We also provide a review of the literature encompassing all reported adult cases. Since 1828, 91 adult cases of LMs have been reported in the English-language literature. We describe the clinical findings, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic management of LMs of the head and neck. We believe that surgery remains a therapeutic option even in patients of advanced age.

Surgical Management of Acquired Cervical Cystic Hygroma in a Nigerian Adult

“…Preservation of normal neurovascular structures of the neck is highly essential. Unlike congenital variety of cystic hygroma, the adult-type lesions are well defined making complete surgical excision more feasible [6]. Complications of surgical excision include neuro-vascular injuries, intra-operative rupture of the cyst, wound sepsis and lymphatic discharge from the wound.…”

Bilateral Cervical Lymphangioma of The Neck In An Adult: A Rare Case with Review of Literature

“…Lymphangiomas are rare, accounting for 4% of all vascular tumors in children. [8] Although lymphangioma can become evident at any age, 50% are seen at birth, [7] and 90% of lymphangiomas are evident by 2 years of age. [7]Initial presentation during adulthood is rare, and fewer than 100 such cases have been reported in English literature.…”

“…[7]Initial presentation during adulthood is rare, and fewer than 100 such cases have been reported in English literature. [8]They have no gender predilection or lateralization to either side of the neck. [9] Although more than 90% of lymphatic malformations are congenital, but adult presentations may occur secondary to trauma, infection, neoplasms, or iatrogenic injuries.…”

Temporal Space Lymphatic Malformation in a 15-Year-Old Adolescent: An Extraordinary Case

“…Our lesion was compatible with this pattern, yet it was mildly tender. According to Naidu and McCalla, over the period 1828-2004, only 91 cases of LMs in adults had been reported [6]. In addition, LMs occur most commonly in the neck [7].…”

“…Also, they constitute an infrequent entity, accounting for 5 % of all benign tumors in infants and children [3,5]. In adults they are extremely rare [6]. In the present article, we describe an extraordinary case of a LM that ensued in the temporal area of a 15-year-old patient.…”