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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Alternative Names
LymphangiomaDefinition Return to top
A cystic hygroma is a sac-like structure with a thin wall that most commonly occurs in the head and neck area.
Causes Return to top
A cystic hygroma is a birth defect. It occurs as the baby grows in the womb from pieces of material that carries fluid and white blood cells. Such material is called embryonic lymphatic tissue. After birth, a cystic hygroma usually looks like a soft bulge under the skin. The cyst can't be seen until after birth, and sometimes is not noticed until the person is older.
Symptoms Return to top
A common symptom is a neck mass found at birth, or discovered later in an infant after an upper respiratory tract infection.
Exams and Tests Return to top
The following tests may be done:Treatment Return to top
Treatment involves complete removal of the abnormal tissue whenever possible. However, cystic hygromas can often invade other neck structures, making this impossible.
Other treatments have been attempted with only limited success. These include:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The outlook is good if surgery can totally remove the abnormal tissue. In cases where complete removal is not possible, the cystic hygroma commonly returns.
Possible Complications Return to top
Complications may include:
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
If you notice a lump in your neck or your child's neck, call your doctor.
Update Date: 9/26/2007 Updated by: Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
