Extensive parapharyngeal lymphangioma in a adult—Case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION: Lymphangiomas are benign swellings most commonly seen in paediatric population. Head and neck are the common sites of presentation rarely can also been seen other sites as axilla, chest, abdomen, liver, spleen. Even though many different modalities have come up surgical excision remains the main stay of treatment. CASE REPORT: A 24 year male patient presented with complaints of a swelling the neck since 2 months, which was 8 × 5 cms, soft, cystic and transilluminant in the anterior triangle of the neck. MRI study showed features suggestive of a para pharyngeal lymphangioma. Patient had undergone surgical excision through trans mandibular trans cervical approach for extra cranial part and for intra cranial part has got OK-432 sclerosant therapy. DISCUSSION: Lymphangiomas are benign, hamartamatous swellings. They are mostly noticed due to their large size causing disfigurement, dyspnoea or dysphagia. They are diagnosed prenatally by using ultrasound scanning. MRI is the superior imaging technique to diagnose lymphangiomas. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, other treatment modalities as scelerotherapy, laser excision, radiotherapy, unroofing, aspiration or steroids are also used.