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Lymphangioma circumscriptum

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Medical condition
Lymphangioma circumscriptum
Other namesSuperficial lymphatic malformation
Lymphangioma circumscriptum; only stratum papillare is affected.
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsVesicular rash, pain, itching, lymph leakage
ComplicationsBleeding, infection
Usual onsetCongenital
CausesDevelopmental vascular anomaly
Diagnostic methodClinical appearance, biopsy, histology
Differential diagnosisHerpes simplex, molluscum contagiosum, angiokeratoma
TreatmentExcision, carbon dioxide laser therapy
FrequencyRare

Superficial lymphatic malformation is a congenital vascular anomaly of the superficial lymphatics, presenting as groups of deep-seated, vesicle-like papules resembling frog spawn, at birth or shortly thereafter. Lymphangioma circumscriptum is the most common congenital lymphatic malformation. It is a benign condition, and treatment is not required if the person who has it does not experience symptoms from the condition.

Signs and symptoms

Lymphangioma circumscriptum is characterized by a rash on the skin featuring clear vesicles. The rash may be painful and is sometimes itchy. The vesicles often leak lymph and may bleed. The rash may appear similar to warts if the vesicles frequently break open.

Diagnosis

A biopsy of the affected skin and histological examination under a microscope are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of lymphangioma circumscriptum.

Differential diagnosis

Several other conditions may mimic lymphangioma circumscriptum. These include infections such as an outbreak of herpes simplex, herpes simplex vegetans, molluscum contagiosum, verruca vulgaris, and condyloma acuminatum. Similarly, benign and cancerous non-infectious conditions may also present in a similar manner, such as angiokeratoma, dermatitis herpetiformis, hemangioma, epidermal nevus, lymphangiectasia, melanoma, angiosarcoma, and metastatic carcinomas.

Treatment

The condition is benign and does not require treatment if the affected person does not have symptoms. Treatment is often pursued for troubling symptoms (itching, pain) or for cosmetic reasons. Surgical removal (excision) of the affected skin layers is the most common and effective treatment. Ablative carbon dioxide laser therapy is a less invasive method that can improve the appearance. This treatment requires local anesthesia and may cause significant wounds. Other treatment options include sclerotherapy and cryotherapy in cases where excision is not feasible.

See also

References

  1. James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 585. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.

External links

ClassificationD
External resources
Tumours of blood vessels
Blood vessel
Lymphatic
Either
Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology
Growths
Epidermal
Pigmented
Dermal and
subcutaneous
Rashes
With
epidermal
involvement
Eczematous
Scaling
Blistering
Papular
Pustular
Hypopigmented
Without
epidermal
involvement
Red
Blanchable
Erythema
Generalized
Localized
Specialized
Nonblanchable
Purpura
Macular
Papular
Indurated
Miscellaneous
disorders
Ulcers
Hair
Nail
Mucous
membrane
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