Lymphatic malformation of head and neck

Abstract Lymphatic malformations are developmental defects of the lymphatic system. They are frequently present at birth and are most commonly found in the head and neck regions. A prospective study was carried out to investigate the incidence of oral lymphangioma and cystic hygroma in relation to, age, gender, color and site of distribution. There were twenty patients of oral lymphangioma and cystic hygroma attending the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital, these patients were examined and investigated. The diagnosis of the lymphangioma and cystic hygroma was based on clinical and histological examination. Oral lymphangioma was found more common in females than in males. The ratio was 11 -9.Two years of age was the most common age at presentation. In the oral cavity the lip and the tongue were the most common site, followed by buccal mucosa. While In cystic hygroma the neck was the common site. It was found that the bluish color was the commonest presenting color in oral lymphangioma followed by red pink color; on the other hand, cystic hygroma demonstrated normal overlying skin.