Surgery
Cystic Hygroma
Definition: It is a collection of lymphatic sacs, contain clear colorless lymph +Ve transillumination & fluctuation.
Characterization: painless, posterior triangular neck mass, with +ve transillumination test
Origin: They are congenital and consist of a cluster of lymph channels that failed to connect into the normal lymphatic pathways.
Site: At the base of the neck, in the posterior triangle. It may extend up to the jaw above and down over the anterior chest wall and axilla. Other Sites: Axilla, inguinal region, mediastinum, tongue and buccal mucosa of the cheek.
Age: It appears very early and may be found at birth or within the first few years of life. Of all the congenital swellings, it is the earliest to develop, even before sternomastoid tumor.
Can spontaneous recovery take place?
Yes, and when it occurs, it will take about 2 years.
family reassurance - follow up
Differential Diagnosis:
i. Branchial cyst ii. Cold abscess in the neck iii. Solitary lymph cyst-Usually it appears in the adult life and is commonly found in the supraclavicular region.
Complications:
i. Recurrent infections as the cyst is surrounded by a shell of lymphoid tissue.
ii. Sudden increase in size of the cyst may cause respiratory distress, when the treatment is aspiration of the cyst with or without tracheostomy.
iii. pressure and compression of neck
Clinical Medicine
Definition:
It is a collection of lymphatic sacs, contain clear colorless lymph.
Site:
At the base of the neck, in the posterior triangle. It may extend up to the jaw above and down over the anterior chest wall and axilla.
Other Sites:
Axilla, inguinal region, mediastinum, tongue and buccal mucosa of the cheek.