ABSTRACT
Lymphatic malformations were previously referred to as ‘cystic hygromas’ or ‘lymphangiomas’, and consist of a group of developmental anomalies of the lymphatic system. Although usually present in the newborn period, they may appear during the first or second decade of life, or rarely in adulthood.1,2 Lymphatic malformations range from small, clinically insignificant masses to huge debilitating or disfiguring lesions which penetrate widely into surrounding structures. Although they are usually found in the neck and shoulder regions, they may also occur in the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, groin, and other areas. This chapter will provide an overview of the diagnosis and management of these often difficult lesions with emphasis on those involving the head and neck region.
