Spontaneous Regression of Lymphangiomas in a Single Center Over 34 Years

BACKGROUND: A lymphangioma, also called a lymphatic malformation, is a congenital condition that frequently occurs in young children. It is classified into 3 groups depending on the size of the cysts (macrocystic, microcystic, and mixed). Spontaneous regression occurs in some cases; however, the characteristics of patients who show regression have not been studied previously. Furthermore, the types and the timing of the initial treatment are still controversial. Therefore, we statistically analyzed the occurrence of short-term spontaneous regression, patient age at original occurrence, cyst types, cyst sizes, and cyst locations in patients diagnosed with peripheral localized lymphangiomas in a single children center over 34 years. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the data of 153 patients and reviewed the medical charts. RESULTS: Spontaneous regression occurred only in macrocystic or mixed type; regression was most frequent in patients who, at the time of onset, were more than 2 years old. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that elderly patients with macrocystic or mixed type lymphangioma may have to wait for treatment for over 3 months from the initial onset. Conversely, microcystic type could not be expected to show regression in a short period, and prompt initiation of the treatments may be required. The difference of the regression or not may depend on the characteristics of the lymph flow.