Cystic hygroma, when a lump grows on the neck or head of a child

What is a cystic hygroma?

Cystic hygroma or cystic hygroma is an abnormal growth of tissue in the lymphatic system of the body. The neck and head of the baby are the most common areas for hygromal cysts. But not infrequently, lumps can also grow in other parts of the body such as the chest, armpits, legs, buttocks, and groin.

These lumps can consist of one or more cysts (sacs) that will get bigger over time. Most cases of hygromal cysts often attack children, especially when the baby is still in the womb. Even so, this condition can also develop after the baby is born.

Launching from Medical News Today, new cystic hygromas that grow after birth are usually benign or harmless. It's just that, if this cyst continues to grow, it can certainly harm the surrounding organs. For example, interfere with breathing, or make it difficult for the baby to swallow.

What causes cystic hygroma?

There are 2 factors that cause cystic hygroma, namely due to environmental factors and genetic or hereditary factors. Viral infection from mother to baby, as well as the use of illegal drugs and alcohol during pregnancy are believed to be a small part of the causes of these hygromal cysts.

In addition, most cases of cystic hygroma develop due to chromosomal abnormalities in the baby's body. Starting from Turner syndrome, trisomy 13, 18, or 21, Noonan syndrome.

What are the symptoms of a cystic hygroma?

The symptoms of a hygromal cyst are not always the same, but depend on the location of the cyst growth on the body. Some children may not even experience any symptoms, except for the growth of a lump that gets bigger every day.

Hygromal cysts that grow after the baby is born are usually only really visible after the child is around 2 years old, with symptoms such as:

Growth of fluid-filled tissue sacs in one or more parts of the body
Cyst appears bluish
Sleep apnea
Difficulty eating and breathing
Stunted growth
Bone and tooth disorders

In rare cases, a hygromal cyst that has gotten bigger and bigger may become infected and eventually bleed.

How to handle it?

Actually, cystic hygroma should not always be treated as long as the growth is deemed harmless or benign. This consideration can be chosen if the tissue is not cancerous, and even risk damaging healthy tissue if the tissue is removed later.

However, the growth of hygromal cysts must inevitably be stopped if it is felt that it can harm the growth and health of the baby. The first treatment that doctors can do is sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy is a treatment method that involves injecting a chemical called sclerosant into the cyst tissue. Not just once, but there are several sclerotherapy treatment sessions to go through to make sure the cyst is no longer developing.

Although it is believed to help shrink tissue growth, it is still possible for the cyst to grow back. The next option that can be considered is to take the operation route after the child is old enough.

Treatment does not always have to choose between the two. Both sclerotherapy and surgery can be done simultaneously, when the child's condition requires both of these treatments at once.