Lymphangiomas
About one-quarter of all benign vascular tumors in children are lymphangiomas, which form in the lymphatic system and involve the skin and mucous membranes. They commonly appear in the head, neck, buttocks and trunk and usually contain clear lymph fluid. A cystic hygroma, which forms in the neck, is a larger type of lymphangioma. Unlike cystic hygroma, the majority of lymphangiomas dont interfere with respiration or other bodily functions; but they are removed surgically for cosmetic reasons. About half are seen at birth, and most appear by the time a child reaches age 5.
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- Q Who is most affected by lymphangiomas?
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Lymphangiomas usually affect children under the age of one. Over 90 percent of the time, symptoms of lymphangiomas, or benign tumors of the lymphatic system, appear by the first birthday. In the majority of cases they are present at birth. The most... Full Answer
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- Q Do lymphangiomas run in families?
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There is little evidence that lymphangiomas run in families. The condition is most associated with the congenital conditions Klinefelter's Syndrome, Noonan's Syndrome, and Turner's Syndrome. Fetal exposure to alcohol is another risk factor. Full Answer
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- Q Who is most at risk for lymphangiomas?
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Lymphangiomas generally affect children under the age of one. In over 90 percent of the cases, symptoms appear in this age group. Both genders suffer from the condition equally. Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect lymphangiomas?
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Some congenital illnesses increase the risk for a child developing lymphangiomas. The conditions identified as having a connection are Klinefelter's Syndrome, Noonan's Syndrome, or Turner's Syndrome. All three are associated with chromosomal... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my lymphangiomas on a daily basis?
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Unless there are complications, such as obstruction of the throat, managing lymphangiomas on a daily basis is generally not difficult. Pain is usually not associated with lymphangiomas, which are non-cancerous tumors of the lymphatic system. The chief... Full Answer
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- Q Can lymphangiomatosis have any complications?
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Lymphangiomatosis can create a multitude of complications. The condition, in which benign tumors grow in the pathways of the lymphatic system, can compromise the normal functioning of the body. All organs can be affected with the lungs and heart usually... Full Answer
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- Q Can lymphangiomas lead to complications?
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Lymphangiomas, or tumors of the lymphatic system, can have complications, depending on their location. The face and neck are typically where lymphangiomas develop. In some cases, they interfere with breathing or eating. If the complications are serious... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat lymphangiomatosis?
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Medications are generally used to shrink or eliminate the tumors of the lymphatic system that are associated with lymphangiomatosis. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and anti-viral drugs may also be used. Pain relievers can take away the discomfort... Full Answer
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- Q How does lymphangiomatosis affect the body?
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Lymphangiomatosis can affect the body in numerous ways. In general, though, it interferes with the normal functioning of the body due to numerous benign tumors growing in the pathways of the lymphatic system. As these tumors enlarge and spread they can... Full Answer
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- Q What is the current recommendation for lymphangiomas?
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Lymphangiomas, or benign tumors of the lymphatic system, usually appear as soft growths on the skin by the age of one. Current recommendations are to refrain from surgery or laser treatment until at least the age of two, unless there are complications.... Full Answer
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