Lymphangioma diagnostic study of choice

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Shyam Patel [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Badria Munir M.B.B.S.[3] Haytham Allaham, M.D. [4]

Overview

Lymphangioma is generally diagnosed with non invasive techniques, primarily ultrasound and MRI. However, X-ray often mark the presence of cystic mass, but then is confirmed with ultrasound and MRI. In addition to that micropathology is confirmed with biopsy and histopathology.

Diagnostic Study of Choice

Biopsy is used to analyze the structure of tissue.

It shows:^[1]

Dilated lymph channels ultimately causes the papillary dermis to expand.
These channels extend to subcutis.
Deeper vessels have larger lumen and muscular coat.
The lumen has lymphatic fluid, but it often contains red blood cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils.
These channels are lined by endothelial cells.
Numerous lymphoid cells are also seen.

MRI is primarily used for the diagnosis of lymphangioma.
MRI can determine the degree of involvement and extent of lesion.
MRI can prevent extensive, incomplete surgical resection, because poorly removed lesion can lead to recurrence.

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Shahi M, Bagga PK, Mahajan NC (October 2009). “Cervical cystic lymphangioma in an adult, diagnosed on FNAC”. J Cytol. 26 (4): 164–5. doi:10.4103/0970-9371.62191. PMC 3168007. PMID 21938186.
↑ Sauter, Birthe; Foedinger, Dagmar; Sterniczky, Barbara; Wolff, Klaus; Rappersberger, Klemens (2016). “Immunoelectron Microscopic Characterization of Human Dermal Lymphatic Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Differential Expression of CD31, CD34, and Type IV Collagen with Lymphatic Endothelial Cells vs Blood Capillary Endothelial Cells in Normal Human Skin, Lymphangioma, and Hemangioma In Situ”. Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry. 46 (2): 165–176. doi:10.1177/002215549804600205. ISSN 0022-1554.

Overview