From the Research
Lymphangioma treatment should prioritize sclerotherapy using agents like bleomycin, as it has shown effectiveness in resolving lesions with minimal complications, as seen in a prospective study of 8 cases where 62.5% of patients achieved complete resolution 1. The treatment of lymphangioma depends on the size, location, and symptoms of the lesion.
- Surgical excision is a traditional approach for symptomatic or cosmetically concerning lesions, but complete removal can be challenging due to the infiltrative nature of lymphangiomas, and recurrence is possible.
- Alternative treatments include sclerotherapy using agents like doxycycline, bleomycin, or OK-432 (Picibanil), which cause inflammation and scarring of the lymphatic channels.
- Observation may be appropriate for small, asymptomatic lesions, as some may spontaneously regress.
- Complications can include infection, bleeding, and compression of surrounding structures.
- Early intervention is often recommended for lesions causing functional impairment or those in cosmetically sensitive areas, while a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric surgeons, interventional radiologists, and dermatologists typically provides the best outcomes.
- A study published in 2011 found that intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy was effective in treating lymphangioma in children, with complete resolution seen in 63% of lesions 2.
- Another study published in 2010 reported a case of adult-onset cervical lymphangioma treated with intralesional injection of bleomycin, resulting in complete remission of the lesion 3.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study, published in 2018, supports the use of bleomycin sclerotherapy as a primary mode of nonsurgical treatment for lymphangiomas of the head and neck, with minimal complications 1.