Cystic hygroma of the chest wall: a rare condition

Abstract

Cystic hygroma of the chest wall is a very rare condition. A review of the literature showed only 15 cases reported worldwide. The authors report a case of cystic hygroma of the chest wall in a male infant 2 months of age that was successfully treated with surgical excision in one stage. The diagnosis was made by physical examination with transillumination and by its typical sonographic pattern. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination and there is no evidence of recurrence after 24 months of follow-up. A review of the literature, updating the embryology, classification, and treatment of the disease, is also presented.