What is lymphangioma of tongue?
Lymphangioma of the tongue is a common cause of macroglossia in children associated with difficulty in swallowing and mastication, speech disturbances, airway obstruction, mandibular prognathism, openbite and other possible deformities of maxillofacial structures.
Does lymphangioma cause macroglossia?
Generalized lymphangioma of tongue is a rare cause of macroglossia in children. It causes mechanical discomfort and functional and psychological disturbances.
What is cavernous lymphangioma?
Cavernous lymphangioma also known as cystic lymphangioma, cystic hygroma, or lymphangioma cavernosum is a benign tumor characterized by large dilated lymphatic channels with an attenuated en- dothelial lining which could be in some case surrounded by an irregular discontinuous smooth muscle layer (1).
Is lymphangioma life threatening?
In the vast majority of cases, lymphangiomas are not life-threatening. The condition is associated with a three percent mortality rate. Lymphangiomas, or benign tumors of the lymphatic system, can be fatal when they are located in the neck or mouth and interfere with breathing.
How do I know if I have macroglossia?
Symptoms associated with macroglossia may include drooling; speech impairment; difficulty eating; stridor; snoring; airway obstruction; abnormal growth of the jaw and teeth; ulceration; and/or dying tissue on the tip of the tongue. The tongue may protrude from the mouth.
What is the cause of enlarged tongue?
A swollen tongue can result from infection, inflammation, allergy, genetic disorders, trauma, malignancy, metabolic diseases, and other abnormal processes. A chronically swollen tongue over a long period of time can be due to acromegaly, sarcoma, oral cancer, or Down syndrome.
Is lymphangioma a benign tumor?
Lymphangiomas are uncommon, benign malformations of the lymphatic system that can occur anywhere on the skin and mucous membranes. Lymphangiomas can be categorized as deep or superficial based on the depth and size of the abnormal lymphatic vessels or as congenital or acquired.
What should you do if you have cavernous lymphangioma?
In case of lymphangioma circumscriptum and cavernous lymphangioma, the drainage of the fluid is found to give a temporary relief. Hence, surgical removal of the lumps is normally advisable.
What are the side effects of lymphangiomas in the mouth?
For example, lymphangiomas located in the mouth or neck region can cause dyspnea, speech problems, dysphagia and feeding problems. Certain complications can occur, including recurrent cellulitis, which can cause pain and disfigurement of the affected area, and bleeding, which may lead to pain, hardening or rapid enlargement of the mass. [1]
Where does lymphangioma circumscriptum appear on the body?
Lymphangioma circumscriptum is a microcystic lymphatic malformation. It appears as a cluster of small, firm blisters most commonly on the shoulders, neck, underarm area, limbs, and in the mouth, especially the tongue.
Where is the lymphatic malformation located on the tongue?
The classification is done on the basis of the location of the lymphatic malformation with respect to the hyoid bone, which is a U-shaped bone situated directly beneath the tongue. This malformation is located below and on one side of the hyoid bone, and is called Unilateral Infrahyoid.