LYMPHANGIOMAS OF THE ORAL CAVITY: A CASE SERIES

Amit Gupta*, Shashibhal Maurya, Swyeta Jain Gupta, Ankita Dwivedi, Vivek Gautam

ABSTRACT

Background: Lymphangioma is a benign, hamartomatous tumor of lymphatic vessels with a marked predilection for the head, neck and oral cavity. They are believed to arise from lymph sac sequestration and enlarge due to inadequate drainage, from lack of communication with the central lymphatic channels or excessive secretion of lining cells. The presentations, location, workup, treatment and outcome of four cases of unusually presenting lymphangiomas were studied. The cases comprised of three lymphangiomas on the labial mucosa and one on the buccal mucosa. The lesions of the labial mucosa mimicked mucocele clinically due to its site and bluish appearance. Histopathologically, lymphangioma appear as proliferated lymphatic vessels lined by plump endothelial cells. Areas mimicking hemangioma due to presence of blood filled sinusoids were evident in 2 cases and were categorized as mixed hemangiolymphangiomas. These cases were further confirmed immunohistochemically using markers like Alpha- SMA. Although head and neck is a common site of presentation the above cases present in unusual location within the oral cavity and histopathological presentation. Through this clinical case series, we are emphasizing the relevance of the clinical and histopathological features that should be considered to confirm the clinical hypothesis and indicate the proper therapeutic for oral lymphangiomas.

Keywords: .