Lymphangiomas in children

Abstract

The records of one hundred and five children with lymphangiomas seen over a period of 12 years are presented. There were 6 boys and 38 girls. In 50% of the cases the lesions were noticed at birth. The neck was the commonest site of the lesion. Abdominal lymphatic cysts were next common in frequency, followed by the axilla. Rare sites such as the retroperitoneum, orbits, scrotum and larynx were occasionally found to be involved. Complete surgical excision could be achieved in 70 cases, while in 19 cases only partial excision could be done because of the extension of the lesions to inaccessible areas. The pathogenesis, clinical presentations and management of this condition are discussed, and three rare cases with interesting presentations are reported.