Hygromas are fluid-filled capsules surrounded by fibrous tissue that can be congenital or caused by trauma. They can be benign or associated with medical problems. Treatment options include sclerotherapy or surgery.
A hygroma is a capsule filled with fluid and surrounded by a layer of fibrous tissue. Some hygromas are congenital in nature while others develop over time, usually in response to trauma. The term “hydroma” is also used to refer to a hygroma by some physicians. People and animals of all agents can develop such growths, which can be benign in nature or can be associated with medical problems depending on the underlying reason the sac developed in the first place.
In the case of a congenital hygroma, errors that occur during development lead to the formation of a cyst, usually around the head or neck. Sometimes the fluid-filled sac is visible at birth and in other cases it may not be apparent until after the baby has grown and the growth has also grown. These conditions are usually not inherited, with conditions in the uterus leading to the development of a hygroma. Sometimes, however, the growth is associated with chromosomal abnormalities which may be hereditary or spontaneous, in which case the patient may have other medical problems.
Hygromas caused by trauma commonly develop in joints, such as the knees and elbows. These types of hygromas are sometimes referred to as “false bursae” because they mimic the structure of a bursa, a hard capsule that surrounds joints such as the shoulder. In this case, the localized swelling usually increases over time as the hygroma grows and becomes more prominent.
When a doctor identifies the swelling characteristic of a hygroma, a medical imaging study may be ordered. This is used to look inside and see what kind of material is there. The fluid buildup is usually mostly lymph. If solids or masses appear to be present within the hygroma, the growth may be different and a biopsy sample may be taken to study its contents. The patient’s medical history is also carefully reviewed for any relevant information.
One treatment option is sclerotherapy. This involves injecting an agent directly into the hygroma to break it up. The contents will slowly be reabsorbed and the swelling will decrease. The patient is usually much more comfortable after sclerotherapy because the growth no longer impedes freedom of movement. In other cases, surgery may need to be done to remove the lymph sac and other materials. Physicians can discuss treatment options with their patients and make recommendations based on the specifics of the case.
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