A case of cystic hygroma in the left submandibular region of an adult

Cervical cystic hygroma usually occurs in infants and children, but rarely develops in adults. We report a case of cystic hygroma arising in the left submandibular region of a 46-year-old woman. The patient presented with a tumor in the submandibular region on December, 1997. Physical examination revealed a soft mass, measuring 11×4 cm, elastic on palpation. MRI revealed a lesion extending from the submandibular region to the oral floor. Surgical resection was performed on January, 1998, followed by continuous low-pressure suction for 7 days. Residu al tumor was treated by sclerotherapy with local injection of hypertonic glucose solution, performed 4 times. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no neurovascular injuries. There has been no evidence of recurrence as of 6 years after treatment.