Cervical lymphangioma in adults: A report of seven cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Cervical lymphangioma usually occurs in children and is relatively rare in adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of cervical lymphangiomas in adults. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and analyzed clinical data obtained from seven adult patients who suffered from cervical lymphangioma from January 2008 to June 2021. RESULTS: Five (71.43%) of seven cases were asymptomatic and four (57.14%) lymphangiomas had a maximum diameter ≥ 10 cm. Each cervical lymphangioma was located adjacent to the carotid sheath. All the cervical lymphangiomas were completely surgically excised and were pathologically diagnosed as cystic lymphangioma. After a median 32 months follow‐up period, no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Cervical lymphangiomas from adults are often large asymptomatic masses infiltrating or adjacent to surrounding vital structures which brings many difficulties to the surgery, requiring an experienced surgeon to remove the mass.