[Cervico-facial lymphangiomas. What's the appropriate management?].

BACKGROUND: Cystic hygroma is a benign and uncommon vascular tumor. Therapeutic difficulties are variables and are discussed with regard to different clinical forms. The curative treatment is surgical. AIM: The purpose of this study is to discuss the management of the vascular malformation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a retrospective study over a period of 11 years (1995- 2005); about 12 patients treated and followed in ENT department of Habib Thameur Hospital of Tunis. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 29 years and the average size of the tumor was 7 cm in diameter. A voluminous cervical mass was noted in 3 cases. Local inflammation with respiratory restriction were observed in one patient. Surgical treatment was performed in 8 cases without recurrences. Injection of sclerosing agent (Ethibloc) was indicated in 4 cases because of the volume of the tumor. The following was marked by reduction of the tumor volume. Surgical excision was completed in one case. CONCLUSION: The management of lymphangioma is challenging. Surgical excision is the best treatment in limited forms. The prognosis of voluminous lymphangiomas is transformed by sclerosing injections.