The following information may help to address your question:
What is a cystic hygroma?
A cystic hygroma is a fluid-filled sac that results from a blockage in the
lymphatic system. It is most commonly located in the neck or head area, but can be located anywhere in the body. It may be discovered in a fetus during a pregnancy
ultrasound, or it may be apparent at birth as a soft bulge under the skin. When it is identified on pregnancy ultrasound, there is an increased risk for miscarriage. In some cases, it is not discovered until a person is older.
[1] Symptoms can vary depending on its size and specific location, and it can potentially cause problems with nearby structures or
organs.
[2]
A cystic hygroma may be caused by genetic or
environmental factors that cause abnormal development of the lymphatic vascular system during embryonic growth. It may occur on its own or as part of a genetic
syndrome with other features, such as
Turner syndrome,
Down syndrome or
Noonan syndrome.
[2] In adults it may result from trauma, or from earlier respiratory infections.
[3] In many cases, the cause is not known.
[2]
Treatment involves removing the cystic hygroma, although removing all of it may not be possible. Other treatments that have been tried with limited success include
chemotherapy, injection of
sclerosing medicines,
radiation therapy, and steroids.
[1]
Last updated: 8/15/2017
What are the signs and symptoms of a cystic hygroma?
The signs and symptoms of a cystic hygroma can vary depending on its size and location. Regardless of size, a cystic hygroma can potentially cause functional impairment of nearby structures or organs, as well as disfigurement of affected areas.
[2] When identified after birth, it most often looks like a soft bulge under the skin.
[1] The overlying skin may have a bluish tint.
[4] The cystic hygroma typically grows as the child grows, and may become apparent after a sudden increase in size, due to an infection or bleeding within the cyst.
[1][4] Feeding difficulties and failure to thrive may be present. Rarely, a child with a cystic hygroma may have symptoms of
obstructive sleep apnea. Other symptoms or complications may include airway obstruction, hemorrhage, infection, or deformation of surrounding bony structures or teeth (if it is left untreated).
[4]
Last updated: 8/15/2017
How might cystic hygroma be treated?
Treatment options for a cystic hygroma depend on the size, location and symptoms present. Options may include surgery (recommended when possible), percutaneous drainage, sclerotherapy, laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, or medical therapy. These different treatment options may be used in various combinations.
[2] When surgery removes all abnormal
tissue, the chance of complete recovery is good. If complete removal is not obtained, the cystic hygroma will often return.
[1] In very rare cases, a cystic hygroma will shrink or go away without treatment.
[2][5]
Last updated: 8/15/2017
How rare are cystic hygromas?
Unfortunately for the rare diseases, there is often not a calculated incidence or prevalence rate. There is no official method for tracking these conditions and no official statistics exist, only estimates. In our search of the medical literature, the most commonly quoted incidence estimate for cystic hygroma is 1 in 6,000 live births. This means that approximately 1 baby in 6,000 is born with a cystic hygroma.
Last updated: 3/4/2010
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GARD Information Specialist
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