Head and Neck Imaging

Cystic hygroma, head and neck

predominantly cystic lymphatic malformation. Such a lymph cyst contains a watery, sometimes lightly opaque fluid. These cysts may be single or multiple. They may be interconnected or separate, and may communicate with adjacent lymphatics. These cysts may be so large that they obstruct labour, but more commonly they present as a swelling at the root of the neck in infants. Occasionally, the first presentation is in adult life. The CT and MRI characteristics are those of a sharply delineated cystic lesion (Fig.1). See also lymphangioma head and neck.

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Fig.1

Axial contrast-enhanced CT image. Large, thin-walled cystic lesion in the right base of the neck.
Cystic hygroma, head and neck, Fig.1