Treatment of lymphatic malformations: a more conservative approach.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Lymphatic malformation is a benign disfiguring lesion of the neck and face in children. This study investigated the application and outcome of different modes of treatment.

METHODS: The medical files of all children with lymphatic malformation of the head and neck attending a tertiary medical center in 1999 to 2010 were reviewed. Findings were compared by treatment: surgery, OK-432 sclerotherapy, or observation.

RESULTS: The study group included 46 patients, most (65%) with macrocystic disease. Twenty were treated by OK-432 sclerotherapy, and 15, by surgery; 11 (with minor disfigurement) were observed only. Mean follow-up time was 2.4 years. Complete removal or complete response to treatment was achieved in 67% of the surgery group and 45% of the OK-432 group; fair results (>50% reduction in swelling) were achieved in 20% and 50%, respectively. Sclerotherapy failure did not interfere with subsequent surgery. Complete spontaneous regression occurred in 5 patients under observation only.

CONCLUSIONS: OK-432 sclerotherapy is associated with good aesthetic results in children with lymphatic malformation. Observation alone is sometimes sufficient. Surgery should be reserved for cases requiring a histologic diagnosis, microcystic disease, patients with an urgent clinical problem (eg, airway obstruction), and sclerotherapy failures.