From the Guidelines
A hygroma is a fluid-filled sac that can occur in various contexts, including as a cystic hygroma in the fetal neck, which is often associated with Turner syndrome and lymphatic dysplasia, as noted in the study by 1.
Definition and Context
In the context of fetal development, a hygroma, specifically a cystic hygroma, is a congenital anomaly that involves the lymphatic system. It is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the neck area due to a lack of communication between the lymphatic system and the venous drainage, as discussed in the study by 1. This condition is closely associated with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Turner syndrome, and can lead to nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF), a condition with significant morbidity and mortality implications.
Clinical Implications
The clinical implications of a hygroma, particularly in the context of NIHF, are significant. NIHF can result from various etiologies, including cardiovascular, chromosomal, hematologic, infectious, and lymphatic dysplasia, as outlined in the study by 1. The prognosis for NIHF is generally poor, especially when associated with hydrops and chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore, early diagnosis and management are critical to improve outcomes, as suggested by 1.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis of a hygroma, especially in the fetal context, involves prenatal screening and ultrasound. Management depends on the underlying cause and the presence of associated anomalies. In some cases, in-utero therapy may be considered, but the effectiveness of such interventions is still under investigation, as noted in the study by 1. For instance, the study by 1 highlights the importance of diagnostic testing for chromosomal abnormalities and other potential causes of NIHF.
Conclusion is not allowed, so the answer continues without one.
In contrast to the fetal context, hygromas in other settings, such as in dogs or as vascular malformations in humans, have different characteristics and management strategies. For example, lymphatic malformations, formerly known as lymphangiomas or cystic hygromas, are distinct from infantile hemangiomas and require specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as discussed in the study by 2. Understanding the specific context and etiology of a hygroma is essential for appropriate diagnosis and management to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.
From the Research
Definition of Hygroma
- A hygroma, also known as a cystic hygroma, is a benign, developmental condition of unknown etiology 3
- It represents malformed lymphatics that fail to communicate with larger veins and, therefore, they collect lymph 3
- A hygroma is a type of lymphangioma, which is a benign infiltrative malformation of the lymphatic channels 4
Characteristics of Hygroma
- Typically presents as a painless, soft mass that can reach a giant size 3
- Usually found in the posterior triangle of the neck, but can occur in other locations such as the axilla, inguinal, retroperitoneal, and thoracic regions 4
- Often infiltrative, separating fascial planes and incorporating nerves, muscles, and blood vessels 4
- Fluctuant, freely mobile, compressible, painless, and transilluminates well 4
Treatment Options
- Surgical excision is considered the optimal mode of treatment, but total removal is not possible in all cases due to the extent of the lesion 5, 6
- Other treatment options include intralesional injection of sclerosing agents, repeated aspiration, radiotherapy, and spontaneous regression without any form of treatment 5, 6, 7
- Conservative management with aspiration alone has been shown to be a reliable mode of treatment with a low complication rate 6