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Cystic hygroma

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• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

A cystic hygroma is a sac-like structure with a thin wall that most commonly occurs in the head and neck area.

Alternative Names:

lymphangioma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A cystic hygroma is a birth defect. It occurs as the baby grows in the womb from pieces of material that carries fluid and white blood cells (embryonic lymphatic tissue). After birth, a cystic hygroma usually looks like a soft bulge under the skin. The cyst can't be seen until after birth, and sometimes is not noticed until the person is older.

• Review Date: 8/3/2006
• Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center atBrooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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