Hemangiomas, cystic hygromas, and teratomas of the head and neck

Abstract

Hemangiomas, cystic hygromas, and teratomas are the most common bulky lesions presenting in the head and neck of infants, but cystic hygromas and teratomas are rare, and most hemangiomas are initially small. Historically, hemangiomas have been watched with the belief that they all involute with good results. Recognition that this is often not the case, and newer more successful and less complicated treatment modalities are changing this approach, albeit slowly. Maternal fetal sonography, in addition to showing that most cystic hygromas are associated with fetal anomalies and fetal demise, has facilitated careful planning and improved outcomes for infants born with isolated cystic hygromas and teratomas.