Current treatment paradigms in the management of lymphatic malformations

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are benign abnormalities of the lymphatic system that can be significantly infiltrative and intimately involve critical structures of the head and neck, making their management difficult. Historically, LMs have been managed by surgical excision, but this treatment approach results in significant morbidity and a high recurrence rate secondary to subtotal resection. As an alternative to surgery a variety of drugs have been used as intralesional sclerosants and immunotherapeutics. These agents offer improved outcomes with lower morbidity as compared to surgery when targeted to macrocystic LMs. However intralesional therapy is not effective in the treatment of microcystic LMs. The development of treatments that are effective for all types of LMs will require further understanding of lymphangiogenesis and the pathogenesis of LMs.