Spontaneous Regression of Lymphangiomas in a Single Center Over 34 Years

Abstract

Background:A lymphangioma, also called a lymphatic malformation, is a congenital condition that frequently occurs in young children. It is classified into 3 groups depending on the size of the cysts (macrocystic, microcystic, and mixed). Spontaneous regression occurs in some cases; however, the characteristics of patients who show regression have not been studied previously. Furthermore, the types and the timing of the initial treatment are still controversial. Therefore, we statistically analyzed the occurrence of short-term spontaneous regression, patient age at original occurrence, cyst types, cyst sizes, and cyst locations in patients diagnosed with peripheral localized lymphangiomas in a single children center over 34 years.Methods:We retrospectively collected the data of 153 patients and reviewed the medical charts.Results:Spontaneous regression occurred only in macrocystic or mixed type; regression was most frequent in patients who, at the time of onset, were more than 2 years old.Conclusions:We concluded that elderly patients with macrocystic or mixed type lymphangioma may have to wait for treatment for over 3 months from the initial onset. Conversely, microcystic type could not be expected to show regression in a short period, and prompt initiation of the treatments may be required. The difference of the regression or not may depend on the characteristics of the lymph flow.

Spontaneous partial regression of a microcystic jejunal mesenteric lymphangioma and a proposed management algorithm

“…Regression of lymphangiomas may also occur after an infection 22. In the largest series published on lymphangiomas, Kato et al reported that among 153 patients, spontaneous regression only occurred in macrocystic or mixed-type lymphangiomas and in older patients that were more than 2 years of age 23. It must be noted however that none of the patients in this particular study had intra-abdominal lymphangiomas.…”

Lymphatic Malformation Treated with Lymphatic Malformation–Venous Anastomosis Under Local Anesthesia

“…Based on our previous report, macrocystic and mixed-type LMs had a good possibility of regression within 3 months from their initial onset. 4 Because the presented case showed a gradual enlargement over 7 years, spontaneous regression could not be expected.…”

Pancreatic Cystic Lymphangioma: Case Report and Literature Review

“…According to the 2018 International Society for the Study of A Case of Pancreatic Lymphangioma J Curr Surg. 2021;11(1): [24][25][26][27] Vascular Anomalies, cystic lymphangioma is also referred to as macrocystic lymphatic malformation (> 1 cm mean diameter), and cavernous lymphangioma is also referred to as microcystic lymphatic malformation (< 1 cm mean diameter). Therefore, lymphangiomas can be classified into microcystic, macrocytic and mixed lymphangiomas [18].…”