Lymphangiomas of the Larynx in Infants and Children

Abstract

Lymphangiomas are uncommon benign congenital lymphatic tumors of childhood. They are found in all parts of the body structure, but rarely occur in the larynx. This paper reviews charts of 160 patients with cystic hygroma (lymphangiomata) of whom ten had extensive involvement of the larynx. A benign but nevertheless challenging tumor, its treatment demands the patience and skill of the surgeon. The lesion is more common in the white patient, and 40% appear in the newborn. Fifty percent present by the end of the first year of life, and 75% by the end of the second. The onset is uncommon in the older child and a rare occurrence in the adult. The treatment of lymphangiomata is surgical excision, and is more difficult when in the larynx. Laser surgery has been most helpful when the lesion is in the laryngeal complex. Considering the extreme difficulties which lymphangioma present to the child and to the physician, the ultimate results of all forms of conservative surgical therapy can be rewarding. Excessive or radical surgery will not necessarily guarantee complete elimination of disease and may be harmful.