Superficial lymphatic malformation is a congenital malformation of the superficial lymphatics, presenting as groups of deep-seated, vesicle-like papules resembling frog spawn, at birth or shortly thereafter.James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 585. . 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 have symptoms from it.

Signs and symptoms

Lymphangioma circumscriptum is characterized by a rash on the skin featuring clear

vesicle Vesicle may refer to: ; In cellular biology or chemistry * Vesicle (biology and chemistry), a supramolecular assembly of lipid molecules, like a cell membrane * Synaptic vesicle ; In human embryology * Vesicle (embryology), bulge-like features ...

s. The rash may be painful and is sometimes itchy. The vesicles often leak

lymph Lymph (from Latin, , meaning "water") is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system, a system composed of lymph vessels (channels) and intervening lymph nodes whose function, like the venous system, is to return fluid from the tissues ...

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 Histology, also known as microscopic anatomy or microanatomy, is the branch of biology which studies the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues. Histology is the microscopic counterpart to gross anatomy, which looks at larger structures vis ...

examination under the microscope is necessary to diagnose lymphangioma circumscriptum.

Differential diagnosis

Several other conditions may mimic lymphangioma circumscriptum. These conditions include infections such as an outbreak of

herpes simplex Herpes simplex is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Infections are categorized based on the part of the body infected. Oral herpes involves the face or mouth. It may result in small blisters in groups often called cold ...

herpes simplex vegetans Herpes simplex is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Infections are categorized based on the part of the body infected. Oral herpes involves the face or mouth. It may result in small blisters in groups often called cold s ...

molluscum contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum (MC), sometimes called water warts, is a viral infection of the skin that results in small raised pink lesions with a dimple in the center. They may become itchy or sore, and occur singularly or in groups. Any area of the s ...

verruca vulgaris A plantar wart, or verruca vulgaris, is a wart occurring on the bottom of the foot or toes. Its color is typically similar to that of the skin. Small black dots often occur on the surface. One or more may occur in an area. They may result in pa ...

, and condyloma acuminatum. Similarly, benign and cancerous non-infectious conditions may also present in a similar manner and include conditions such as angiokeratoma,

dermatitis herpetiformis Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic autoimmune blistering skin condition, characterised by intensely itchy blisters filled with a watery fluid. DH is a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease, although the exact causal mechanism is not k ...

hemangioma A hemangioma or haemangioma is a usually benign vascular tumor derived from blood vessel cell types. The most common form, seen in infants, is an infantile hemangioma, known colloquially as a "strawberry mark", most commonly presenting on the ski ...

epidermal nevus Epidermal nevus syndrome (also known as "Feuerstein and Mims syndrome", and "Solomon's syndrome"Freedberg, et al. (2003). ''Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine''. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. .) is a rare disease that was first described in 19 ...

, lymphangiectasia, melanoma,

angiosarcoma Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that starts in the endothelial cells that line the walls of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. Since they are made from vascular lining, they can appear anywhere and at any age, but older people are ...

, and metastatic

carcinoma Carcinoma is a malignancy that develops from epithelial cells. Specifically, a carcinoma is a cancer that begins in a tissue that lines the inner or outer surfaces of the body, and that arises from cells originating in the endodermal, mesoderma ...

Treatment

The condition is benign and does not require treatment if the affected person does not have symptoms. Lymphangioma circumscriptum is often treated when it causes troubling symptoms to the affected person (itching, pain) or due to concerns about its cosmetic appearance. Surgical removal (excision) of the affected layers of skin is the most common and effective treatment. Treatment with ablative

carbon dioxide laser The carbon-dioxide laser (CO2 laser) was one of the earliest gas lasers to be developed. It was invented by Kumar Patel of Bell Labs in 1964 and is still one of the most useful types of laser. Carbon-dioxide lasers are the highest-power contin ...

s is a less invasive method that can be used to improve the appearance of lymphangioma circumscriptum. These laser treatments require local anesthesia and may cause significant wounds.

References

External links