Definition:
Lymphangiomas are a rare type of angioma or benign tumors that typically appear at birth or early in childhood.
Diagnosis:
Diagnostic tests to determine lymphangiomas include blood tests, CAT scans, and a biopsy or fine needle aspirate.
Treatment:
Although most cases of lymphangiomas do not require treatment, these benign masses can be removed surgically. However, such surgery will also remove several layers of skin and surrounding tissues because lymphangiomas tend to grow deep beneath the surface.
Symptoms and Signs:
Lymphangiomas are lymphatic malformations that manifest as distinctive bumps on the skin. They may appear as small bumps or as large intruding growths. Patients with lymphangiomas may experience: raised yellowish or reddish areas of the skin; lumpy pinky-white growths in the mouth; appearance of painless lesions; obstruction of the intestines; as well as respiratory obstruction. In general lymphangiomas are not cancerous.
Causes:
Lymphangiomas are caused by an accumulation of enlarged lymph vessels that fail to communicate normally with the lymphatic system. These lymph nodes may have been enlarged by infections, malignancy, inflammatory problems, or other disorders. In addition, lymphangiomas are usually a symptom of more serious underlying causes, such as: Bannayan-Zonana syndrome, Macrodactyly - Hemihypertrophy - Connective tissue nevi syndrome, or lymphadenopathy.
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