Overview Of Cystic Hygroma
A Cystic Hygroma is a growth that often occurs in the head and neck area. It is a birth defect.
Commonly Associated With
Lymphangioma; Lymphatic malformation
Cause Of Cystic Hygroma
This type of hygroma occurs as the baby grows in the womb. It forms from pieces of material that carry fluid and white blood cells. This material is called embryonic lymphatic tissue.
After birth, this hygroma most often looks like a soft bulge under the skin. The cyst may not be found at birth. It typically grows as the child grows. Sometimes it is not noticed until the child is older.
Symptoms Of Cystic Hygroma
A common symptom is a neck growth. It may be found at birth or discovered later in an infant after an upper respiratory tract infection (such as a cold).
Exams & Tests
Sometimes,a pregnancy ultrasound is used to view the hygroma while the baby is still in the womb. This can mean that the baby has a chromosomal problem or other birth defects.
The following tests may be done:
- Chest x-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
If the condition is detected during a pregnancy ultrasound, other ultrasound tests or amniocentesis may be recommended.
Treatment Of Cystic Hygroma
Treatment involves removing all of the abnormal tissue. However, cystic hygromas can often grow, making it impossible to remove all of the tissue.
Other treatments have been tried with only limited success. These include:
- Chemotherapy medicines
- Injection of sclerosing medicines
- Radiation therapy
- Steroids
