Unusual cystic hygromas: Case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Congenital Malformations
• Lymphatic System Abnormalities

Background:

• Cystic hygromas are congenital lymphangiomas resulting from lymphatic system developmental anomalies.
• Typically diagnosed in early childhood, they are rare in adolescents and on the chest wall or axilla.

Observation:

• Two pediatric cases are presented: a 14-year-old male with an axillary hygroma and a 1-year-old male with a chest wall hygroma.
• One case presented with hemorrhage into the cyst, complicating diagnosis.
• Diagnosis involved correlating patient history, clinical findings, and radiological investigations.

Findings:

• Histopathology confirmed cystic hygroma in both surgically treated cases.
• Surgical excision was performed without complications in both patients.
• Diagnosis requires thorough history, clinical examination, and radiological/histopathological correlation.

Implications:

• Unusual locations and delayed presentations of cystic hygromas can occur, extending beyond typical early childhood cervicofacial manifestations.
• Cystic hygroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric swellings.
• Surgical excision is confirmed as a safe and effective treatment for cystic hygromas.