Cystic hygroma of the breast: a rare lesion

Tumori. 2006 Jul-Aug;92(4):347-50. doi: 10.1177/030089160609200415.

Abstract

Lymphangiomas are congenital malformations of lymphatic vessels. More than 50% of these lesions are present at birth; 90% are diagnosed by the age of 2. These lesions do not expand very rapidly but they tend to infiltrate surrounding tissues; their degeneration into malignant tumors is an extremely rare occurrence. They are mostly located in the neck region and the axilla; breast lymphangioma is very rare. Surgery is usually performed for aesthetic reasons and in order to make a differential diagnosis with other, more common lesions. The surgical procedure involves the excision of the mass; other methods, such as radiotherapy and sclerotherapy, have proved to be completely ineffective.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / diagnosis*
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / pathology
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / surgery
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary