Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is characterised by abnormal dilation of the lymphatic vessels in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. These lymphatic vessels don’t communicate with normal lymphatic vessels.
Common areas to see LC include the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, tongue, armpits, groin, chest and abdomen, and more uncommonly, the vulva. A doctor makes a diagnosis via examination and possibly a biopsy to rule out other conditions (warts, molluscum contagiosum).
Causes of lymphangioma circumscriptum
It’s not known why LC develops. The physical cause of symptoms is lymphatic fluid being received by the muscle-coated lymphatic cisterns from surrounding tissue but not draining back into the lymphatic system.
The cisterns dilate and pulsate, pushing lymph through channels that feed into the thin lymphatics of the skin, causing ballooning of the skin.
LC is also known as microcystic lymphatic malformation.
Treatment for LC
Surgery is a common medical treatment; however, it is not appropriate for everyone with LC. Management may be achieved using sclerotherapy (irritating the vessel with saline solution to close it over), cauterisation, fulguration, and radiofrequency, laser and light-based therapies.
Investigations into the underlying causes of this lymphatic dysfunction may be useful via an appropriate practitioner. Some treatments may prove helpful in strengthening and supporting the normalisation of the lymphatic system, such as herbal medicine or acupuncture.
References1–3
- 1.Phukan J, Jalan S, Pal S, Sinha A. Lymphangioma circumscriptum of the vulva: Report of a rare case. J Mid-life Health. Published online 2015:91. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.158968
- 2.Omprakash H, Rajendran S. Lymphangioma circumscriptum (microcystic lymphatic malformation): Palliative coagulation using radiofrequency current. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. Published online 2008:85. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.44165
- 3.VLASTOS A. Lymphangioma circumscriptum of the vulva: a review of the literature*1. Obstetrics & Gynecology. Published online May 2003:946-954. doi:10.1016/s0029-7844(03)00048-6
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