Bleomycin therapy for cystic hygroma

Intralesional bleomycin injection was used as sclerosant therapy for sixteen patients with cystic hygroma. An excellent (complete clinical resolution) response was obtained in seven (44%) patients, a good (> 50% response) result in seven (44%), and a poor or no response in two (12%). Minor transient side effects (fever, vomiting, cellulitis, skin discoloration) were seen in six patients, and there were no serious side effects. The results suggest that bleomycin intralesional sclerosant is effective therapy for cystic hygroma, with response rates comparable to those of surgical removal, but with the advantage of avoiding inadvertent nerve damage and scarring.