Pediatric Head, Neck Lymphatic Malformations Have Fewer Complications if Treated

Background: Lymphatic malformations are slow-flow vascular malformations and are subdivided into macrocystic, microcystic, and mixed lymphatic malformations. In the head and neck, incidence ranges from 1 in 2000 to 1 in 16,000, and they are typically diagnosed in early childhood (before age 2 years). Complications include infection or hemorrhage, which can result in acute swelling with deformity, malocclusion of the teeth, dysphagia, and airway compromise in the head and neck. Treatment options include surgical excision, disease-modifying agents, sclerotherapy, or watchful waiting with observation. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive therapy for treatment of lymphatic malformations, and many studies have proven its safety and efficacy. Sclerotherapy is often considered the first-line treatment. Objective: To compare incidence of recurrent swelling between treated and untreated patients with macrocystic lymphatic malformations of the head and neck (not involving the airway). Frequen more...