Utility of radiofrequency ablation for haemorrhagic lingual lymphangioma

Lymphangiomas of the mouth and tongue pose considerable therapeutic problems. Their complete exeresis is not feasible, and they can be a major functional impediment and cause face and jaw deformities. A risk of secondary growth is classically described after surgical reduction. Invasion of lingual mucosa, often papillomatous, results in accidental biting, recurrent bleeding and pain. Here, we report on 7 cases of children with haemorrhagic mucosal lingual lymphangiomas, one with noteworthy drop in the haemoglobin, treated by surface radiofrequency reduction. With a short follow-up (3-13 months), a functional improvement was observed in every case, as a complete disappearance of bleeding in 5/7 cases, and a moderate local relapse in 2/7 cases. This technique did not induce progressive regrowth. It provides a new therapeutic tool for the treatment of lingual microcystic lymphangioma.