Cystic hygroma
Encyclopedia
Neck
The neck is the part of the body, on many terrestrial or secondarily aquatic vertebrates, that distinguishes the head from the torso or trunk. The adjective signifying "of the neck" is cervical .-Boner anatomy: The cervical spine:The cervical portion of the human spine comprises seven boney...
. This is the most common form of lymphangioma
Lymphangioma
Lymphangiomas are malformations of the lymphatic system, which is the network of vessels responsible for returning to the venous system excess fluid from tissues. These malformations can occur at any age and may involve any part of the body, but 90% occur in children less than 2 years of age and...
. It contains large cyst like cavities containing watery fluid.
Microscopically cystic hygroma consists of multiple locules filled with lymph. In the depth the locules are quite big but they decrease in size towards the surface.
Cystic hygromas are benign
Benign
A benign tumor is a tumor that lacks the ability to metastasize. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.The term "benign" implies a mild and nonprogressive disease. Indeed, many kinds of benign tumors are harmless to human health...
, but can be disfiguring
Disfigurement
Disfigurement is the state of having one's appearance deeply and persistently harmed medically, as from a disease, birth defect, or wound.Disfigurement, whether caused by a benign or malignant condition, often leads to severe psychosocial problems such as negative body image; depression;...
. It is a condition which affects children; very rarely it can present in adulthood .
It can be associated with a nuchal lymphangioma
Lymphangioma
Lymphangiomas are malformations of the lymphatic system, which is the network of vessels responsible for returning to the venous system excess fluid from tissues. These malformations can occur at any age and may involve any part of the body, but 90% occur in children less than 2 years of age and...
or a fetal hydrops
It can be associated with Turner syndrome
Turner syndrome
Turner syndrome or Ullrich-Turner syndrome encompasses several conditions in human females, of which monosomy X is most common. It is a chromosomal abnormality in which all or part of one of the sex chromosomes is absent...
.
A lethal version of this condition is known as Cowchock Wapner Kurtz syndrome that in addition to cystic hygroma, includes lymphedema and cleft palate.