Spontaneous cervical lymphocoele: case reports and management decisions
F D L Walker1, F B Macgregor, I Ganly
1Department of Otolaryngology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Insights
Spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles are rare cystic neck lumps. Surgical excision effectively treated these rare neck swellings in two young women, offering a definitive solution.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Neck lumps are common in young adults, typically benign reactive lymphadenopathy.
- Cystic neck swellings are less frequent, with spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles being exceptionally rare.
- Spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles present as asymptomatic, fluctuant cystic neck masses in healthy individuals.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of healthy young women with spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles.
- Surgical timing was influenced by upcoming personal events for both patients.
- Both patients underwent successful surgical excision for their condition.
Findings:
- Sclerotherapy was attempted but proved unhelpful in managing the lymphocoeles.
- Surgical excision provided a definitive and successful treatment for both cases.
- The study highlights surgery as the preferred intervention for spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles.
Implications:
- This study underscores the efficacy of surgical excision for spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles.
- It suggests that surgery is a more reliable treatment than sclerotherapy for this rare condition.
- The findings are valuable for clinicians managing rare cystic neck masses in young adults.
Introduction:
Neck lumps in young adults are not uncommon, and most represent benign, reactive lymphadenopathy. Cystic swellings are less common. Spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles are very rare, and present as fluctuant, asymptomatic, cystic swellings in the neck in otherwise fit individuals.
Case Reports:
We report two healthy young women who presented with spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles and who were treated successfully with surgical excision. The timing of surgical intervention was influenced in both cases by their imminent wedding celebrations.
Conclusions:
Whilst sclerotherapy has been advocated by some authors, we found it unhelpful; however, surgery provided definitive treatment.