A single-center experience in the management of head and neck lymphangiomas

Introduction Lymphangiomas are relatively uncommon head and neck region lymphatic malformations. Although surgery can be still considered the mainstay of treatment, sclerotherapy by OK-432 is becoming a widespread treatment option. The aim of this article is to present and discuss the management and outcomes of a series of cases of lymphangiomas. Methods All patients with lymphangiomas who were treated from 2010 to 2018 were reviewed. The following data were recorded: age, gender, subtype, staging, type of treatment, outcome, and recurrence. Results Fifteen patients (9 females, 6 males) were included with 2 microcystic and 13 macrocystic lymphangiomas. Six patients underwent surgery with excision (5 with a complete success, one with a fair success), whereas the remaining 9 subjects underwent sclerotherapy by OK-432 (6 with a complete success, 3 with a fair success). No postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions All modes of treatment are important in properly selected patients affected by lymphangiomas. OK-432 therapy is a safe and effective option in the treatment of head and neck lymphangiomas.