The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Cystic Hygroma in Children

Macrocystic lymphatic malformation typically located in the neck and axilla, presenting in infancy and childhood.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Cystic Hygroma in Children?

Cystic hygroma, also called macrocystic lymphatic malformation, is a benign lymphatic anomaly composed of one or several large fluid-filled cavities lined by lymphatic endothelium. It commonly appears in the cervical, axillary or thoracic regions during infancy or early childhood.

Most cases are diagnosed in the prenatal period or during the first two years of life. Lesions can grow rapidly during infections or trauma, leading to airway compression, dysphagia or facial deformity. Sudden enlargement may follow upper respiratory infection. Posterior cervical hygromas in fetuses are associated with chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner syndrome.

Diagnosis is based on physical examination, ultrasound and MRI. Management includes observation for small asymptomatic lesions, sclerotherapy with agents such as bleomycin, doxycycline or OK-432, and surgical resection for selected cases. Recurrence is common; therefore long-term multidisciplinary follow-up by pediatric surgery, otolaryngology and interventional radiology teams is essential.

Symptoms

Soft compressible neck or axillary mass
Rapid swelling after infection
Airway compression
Dysphagia
Facial asymmetry
Skin discoloration over the lesion
Bleeding into the lesion after trauma

Risk Factors

Congenital lymphatic malformation
Turner syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies
Family history of vascular malformation
Recent upper respiratory infection
Local trauma
Pregnancy with prenatal cystic hygroma
Syndromic associations such as Noonan

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Soft growing neck mass in a child
  • Sudden swelling after infection
  • Difficulty breathing or feeding
  • Bluish skin discoloration with mass
  • Recurrence after previous treatment
  • Concern about facial deformity

Treatment Methods

01
Detailed ultrasound and MRI evaluation
02
Observation for small asymptomatic lesions
03
Sclerotherapy with bleomycin or OK-432
04
Surgical excision in selected cases
05
Airway management when compressing
06
Genetic counseling when indicated
07
Multidisciplinary long-term follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Regular Gynecological Check-up

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Regular gynecological check-ups enable early diagnosis of many women's diseases and increase treatment success. It is recommended that every sexually active woman or woman over 21 see a gynecologist at least once a year.

Cervical Cancer

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Cervical cancer develops from uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix and is among the most common women's cancers worldwide. Precancerous lesions can be recognized with regular Pap smear and HPV testing.

HPV and Vaccination

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

HPV is a common virus transmitted sexually that can lead to certain types of cancer. Vaccination provides over 90% protection against high-risk HPV strains.

Ovarian Cyst

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on the ovarian tissue. Most are asymptomatic and disappear spontaneously; however, large or complex cysts can cause pain and complications.

Endometriosis

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women of reproductive age, causing cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility; combined medical and laparoscopic treatment improves quality of life.

Uterine Fibroids

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors developing from the uterine muscle layer. They affect 20-50% of women of reproductive age; most are asymptomatic, but can cause bleeding and pain.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

PCOS is the most common endocrine disease affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by androgen excess, ovulation disorder, and polycystic ovarian appearance.

Menopause

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Menopause is the life stage defined by not having a period for 12 consecutive months and the natural cessation of ovarian function. The average age is 51, but it can vary between 45-55 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.