Lymphangiomas of the Alveolar Ridges in Neonates

Abstract

Blue-domed, fluid-filled lesions on the alveolar ridges of neonates were noted in 3.7% of all normal black newborns examined. None were found in whites. On microscopic examination of eight such lesions, the diagnosis of lymphangioma was made. These lymphangiomas should not be confused with Epstein's pearls, Bohn's nodules, eruption cysts, or mucous retention phenomena. The natural history of such lymphangiomas is unknown. However, spontaneous regression was noted in several cases.