Have you noticed a small lump under the skin of your baby's neck, armpit, or head that has caused you concern? Or did your doctor mention it during a scan during your pregnancy? This could be a condition called Cystic Hygroma . It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear this name. But once you know what it is, that fear will disappear and you will have a better understanding of how to deal with it.
Simply put, what is Cystic Hygroma?
Cystic Hygroma is a fluid-filled cyst, or multiple cysts. It looks like a water balloon. These most often develop on a baby's head or neck. But sometimes they can also develop in places like the armpits and chest.
The reason for this is that there is a blockage in the lymphatic system in our body. Think of this lymphatic system as a system that removes waste from our body. This system is what filters out harmful things like germs and helps keep the body healthy. So, if there is a blockage somewhere in this system while the baby is growing in the womb, fluid accumulates there and a cyst like this forms.
This is a very rare condition. This means that about one in 8,000 babies is affected by this condition. Also, not all babies with a Cystic Hygroma have other major health problems. Some babies are born completely healthy with this condition.
Sometimes these tumors heal on their own without any treatment. However, if they don't, surgery to remove them is the best option, as they can damage surrounding organs, cause infections, and cause discomfort as the baby grows.
What are the symptoms of this?
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the tumor. Sometimes, the tumor can interfere with the normal functioning of surrounding organs. Let's take a look at the main symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Swelling under the skin | A newborn baby may have a soft, swollen area under their skin. Sometimes this may be slightly blue in color. |
| Difficulty breathing and swallowing | If the tumor is located near the throat or windpipe, the baby may have difficulty breathing and swallowing while breastfeeding. |
| Stunted growth | Due to feeding difficulties, they may grow a little slower than other babies. |
| Tumor enlargement and infection | The cyst will also grow as the baby grows. Also, if the cyst becomes infected or bleeds inside the cyst, it can suddenly get bigger. |
| Effects on bones and teeth | If left untreated for a long time, the bone and teeth around the tumor may be damaged. |
What are the causes of Cystic Hygroma?
Both the baby's genes and the environment in the womb can affect the development of this lymphatic system. A problem with the development of this system is the primary cause of Cystic Hygroma.
Sometimes it can occur on its own without any other medical condition. However, in some cases it can be linked to genetic conditions . For example:
- Turner syndrome
- Down syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
Doctors are conducting special tests to see if there is a connection with conditions like this.
If this condition occurs in adults, it may be caused by some kind of accident ( trauma ) or a previous respiratory infection. However, in most cases, it is difficult to find a specific cause for this condition in adults.
How do doctors diagnose this condition?
During pregnancy
Most of the time, your doctor will first see this tumor during a routine ultrasound scan while you are pregnant. It can usually be detected around 20 weeks of pregnancy.
If the scan shows something like this, the doctor will suggest doing some more tests to make sure the baby doesn't have any other genetic problems.
- CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) : This involves taking a very small piece of tissue from the baby's placenta and testing it for genetic conditions.
- Amniocentesis: This involves taking a small amount of the fluid (amniotic fluid) inside the baby's womb and testing it.
Don't be afraid to ask about these tests. Your doctor will explain everything to you thoroughly. You will also need to have regular scans to check for changes in the tumor and other complications.
Your doctor will usually plan to deliver your baby by cesarean section (C-section) at around 38 weeks. You should also choose a hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and pediatric surgeons . This is because the hospital should have all the facilities needed to treat your baby if he or she needs emergency treatment after birth. Your doctor will help you choose a hospital that is suitable for this.
After birth
Sometimes this lump is seen after the baby is born. If this happens, the doctor will order tests such as a chest X-ray, ultrasound scan, or MRI/CT scan to confirm whether it is a cystic hygroma.
What are the treatments?
The main and most successful treatment for a cystic hygroma is to completely remove the tumor through surgery.
However, if even a small part of the tumor is left during surgery, there is about a 15% risk of it coming back. There are several other treatments, although they are not as successful as surgery.
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Steroids
- Sclerotherapy: This involves injecting a special medication into the tumor, causing it to shrink.
What are the possible complications?
There is a risk of complications in such a situation. But it is important to be aware of these in advance. Doctors are always aware of these risks and take the necessary steps to prevent them.
- The amount of amniotic fluid in the womb may increase or decrease during pregnancy.
- In some cases, there may be a risk of miscarriage.
- If the tumor is large, it may block the baby's airway.
- There may be some changes in the shape of the face.
- The tumor can cause a skin infection such as cellulitis .
- There may be risks such as nerve damage or excessive bleeding after surgery.
- Even after surgery, there is a small chance that the tumor will grow back.
Don't be alarmed when you hear these things. Not all of these things will happen. These are just "possible" things. Your medical team is aware of all of these risks and they are trained to deal with them.
Take-Home Message
- Cystic Hygroma is a fluid-filled lump that develops due to a problem with a baby's lymphatic system. It is not cancer.
- This can often be detected during an ultrasound scan during pregnancy.
- Since this condition may be associated with certain genetic diseases, your doctor will recommend testing for it.
- The main treatment is to remove the tumor through surgery. Don't worry, pediatric surgeons are experts in this.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, talk to your doctor immediately. Do not make decisions based on information found on the internet.
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