Cervical Cystic Lymphangiomas in Adults: A Case Series of a Rare Entity with Literature Review

Cystic lymphangiomas (CLs) are benign congenital lymphatic malformations that are thought to represent developmental abnormalities rather than true neoplasms. The head and neck region is the most common site of occurrence, although CLs can be present elsewhere in the body including the axilla, mediastinum, groin, and retroperitoneum. More than 80% of CLs present before the age of two. Occurrence in adults is rare with only a few cases reported in the literature. We describe five cases of cervical CLs in adults and discuss imaging modalities used for diagnostics, clinicopathologic features, and therapeutic options.

Automated summary

Cystic lymphangiomas (CLs) are benign congenital lymphatic malformations, commonly found in the head and neck region but can occur elsewhere. More than 80% of cases present before age two, with rare occurrence in adults. Imaging, clinicopathologic features, and therapeutic options are crucial in diagnosing and managing CLs.