Surgical management of lymphangiomatous or lymphangiohemangiomatous macroglossia

The specific aim of this retrospective investigation was to evaluate effects of lymphangiomatous or lymphangiohemangiomatous macroglossia managed by Jian or Dingman glossectomy.

Between 1992 and 2002, we treated surgically a total of 7 patients (5 males and 2 females) with lymphangiomatous or lymphangiohemangiomatous macroglossia. Of the 7 patients, 3 had lymphangiohemangiomatous macroglossia and 4 had lymphangiomatous macroglossia. Lymphangioma or lymphangiohemangioma, which is localized in the anterior middle two thirds of the tongue, was present in 4 patients who were operated on with Jian glossectomy. Lymphangiomatous macroglossia, which is localized in the anterior and lateral two thirds of the tongue, was present in 3 patients, who were treated with Dingman glossectomy. The complications and recurrences after surgical management were analyzed.

After a follow-up period of 1 to 10 years, cosmesis and function improved after surgery in all 7 patients. The tongue healed well, and the patients had no long-term complications. Postoperatively, tongue protrusion resolved in all the patients. All parents were satisfied with the postoperative appearance and did well with oral feedings. The physiologic functions that benefited most with surgical treatment were respiratory and deglutition. No patient in this investigation had macroglossia recurrence.

Jian or Dingman glossectomy is an effective surgical technique for lymphangiomatous or lymphangiohemangiomatous macroglossia, but both of these techniques have unique indications. Surgical techniques must be chosen in accordance with the position of lymphangiomas or lymphangiohemangiomas.