Open AccessLymphangioma of the Dorsal Tongue
Author(s) -
Brenda L. Nelson,
Eric L Bischoff,
Ashwin S. Nathan,
Liana Ma
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
head and neck pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.801
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1936-0568
pISSN - 1936-055X
DOI - 10.1007/s12105-019-01108-z
Subject(s) - tongue , macroglossia , lymphangioma , medicine , anatomy , soft palate , lymphatic system , tonsil , pathology , surgery
Lymphangiomas are rare, congenital malformations of the lymphatic system which have a marked predilection for the head and neck. In this region, they most commonly occur on the dorsum of the tongue, followed by the lips, buccal mucosa, soft palate, and floor of the mouth. Lymphangiomas of the tongue are commonly present at birth; however, they may go unnoticed until after eruption of the dentition or even puberty. They may present as a defined mass or as macroglossia with impaired speech, difficulty in mastication, and, in extreme cases, airway obstruction. Clinically, lymphagiomas of the tongue are characterized by clusters of pebbly, vesicle-like nodules. A benign proliferation of lymphatic vessels is identified histologically. A classic case of a lymphangioma of the dorsal tongue is presented.