Excision of Cystic Hygroma : Curehealth

Excision of Cystic Hygroma

Excision of Cystic Hygroma is done to treat Cystic Hygroma soon after recognition in order to prevent extensive local growth and expansion.

Some facts about Excision of Cystic Hygroma:

Cystic hygromas are the cystic variety of lymphangioma which is a birth defect that appears as a sac-like structure with a thin wall.
It most commonly occurs in the head and neck area of an infant.
However, the growths can also occur in other areas of the body, including the armpits, legs, chest, buttocks, and groin.
It can develop from pieces of material that carries fluid and white blood cells when the baby grows in the womb.
The extensive local growth and expansion of Cystic Hygroma can encroach on vital structures such as nerves, major vessels, and the trachea which can be prevented by excision of Cystic Hygroma.
Usually these are located at cervico-facial regions and axilla.
The main indications of the treatment include respiratory distress, recurrent infections or cosmetic reasons.
In Greek, hygroma means water containing tumour which are congenital malformations of lymphatic system
Cystic hygroma may compose of single or multiple macrocystic lesions.
These are usually benign and are not harmful.
However, they can grow very large, and affect the breathing and ability to swallow of a child.
Sometimes cystic hygromas is detected using ultrasounds during pregnancy.
The formation of cystic hygromas can be a cause of either viral infections passed to a fetus during pregnancy or drug and alcohol use during pregnancy.
Generally, cystic hygromas are due to genetic conditions.

Cystic hygromas is often diagnosed during a routine abdominal ultrasound, when the fetus is still in the womb.
It may also be detected during a blood test carried out at 15 to 20 weeks. A possible cystic hygroma is indicated if the blood test shows high levels of alpha-fetoproteins.
The possible location and size of a cystic hygroma can be indicated by an ultrasound images.
The depth and severity of the growth can be identified by doing some additional tests, including transvaginal ultrasound, fast spin magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and amniocentesis.
Computed tomography (CT) scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds are done to make a diagnosis if a cystic hygroma is found after a child is born

Treatment is not required for a cystic hygroma if it is not causing any problems.
Sclerotherapy is a treatment option in which a chemotherapeutic agent called bleomycin will be injected into the growth by a specialist.
The growth will be shrink by using Bleomycin. It may take several therapy sessions to shrink the growth completely.
A cystic hygroma can also return even after treatment or multiple treatments.
Surgery to remove the cystic hygroma, will be considered when the child is a bit older.
Surgery will be performed under general anesthesia.
A baby or child may need both sclerotherapy and surgery to remove or shrink the cystic hygroma completely.
Damage to nerves, arteries, blood vessels, and structures near the cystic hygroma are possible complications of surgical removal.