Cystic hygroma is a birth defect caused by an irregularity in the lymphatic system, affecting one in six thousand children in the US. Symptoms include a lump in the head or neck, and diagnosis is done through ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan. Treatment involves removing the anomaly, but if it’s near the neck bones, other less effective treatments may be used.
Cystic hygroma is part of a group of diseases called lymphatic malformations. A cystic hygroma is a form of birth defect and can be found both post and prenatally. It affects one in six thousand children in the United States. The words cystic hygroma means “wet tumor” and can be described as a structure resembling a thin-walled sac. It is usually found in the head or neck and is more common in females than males.
A cystic hygroma generally develops as the baby matures in the womb; however, it can appear at any time even during a person’s life. The cyst can form due to an irregularity in the lymphatic system. It is also believed to form from the abnormal collection of embryonic lymph tissue, which carries white blood cells and fluid. Other causes include environmental factors, such as a maternal Quinta’s disease infection, the mother’s drug or alcohol abuse, and one of many other birth defects.
Symptoms of cystic hygroma are simple. There is usually a lump, lump, or lump in the head or neck region. It can be discovered by ultrasound, at birth or even much later in the baby’s life. Sometimes, a respiratory tract infection can lead a doctor to discover the disease. A cystic hygroma found prenatally may mean it will resolve over time, even before birth; however, it can lead to other birth defects, such as a webbed neck.
To test for a cystic hygroma, an ultrasound, X-ray, or computed tomography (CT) scan may be done. They will indicate if there is an anomaly. Because it is safe for both mother and baby, an ultrasound is best to determine if there is a defect during pregnancy. However, the child’s location and other factors can make diagnosis difficult. It is also easy for a cyst to be confused with amniotic fluid. Additionally, amniocentesis may be performed to check for any chromosomal defects associated with the cystic hygroma.
If a cystic hygroma is discovered, treatment is available. In most cases, it involves removing the anomaly. Unfortunately, the location of the hygroma can make it impossible to remove, especially if it’s near the neck bones. As a result, other less effective treatments have been used. These include chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy and steroids. If complete removal cannot occur, it is highly likely that the cystic hygroma will return.
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