Is your baby's body filled with fluid? Could it be a cystic hygroma?

Are you worried about a small lump on your baby's neck or anywhere else on their body? Or if you're expecting a baby, did the doctor mention any problems with the baby's development during the scan? Sometimes it's normal to feel very scared when you hear or see things like this. Today we're going to talk about something you need to be aware of at a time like this. That's a condition called Cystic Hygroma .

Simply put, what is Cystic Hygroma?

Imagine that our body has a system called the lymphatic system. This is like a garbage disposal system in our body. This is what removes unnecessary things and toxins from our body and carries them through the blood system through a liquid called lymph fluid with the help of white blood cells. Now, sometimes when the baby is in the womb, if this lymphatic system does not develop properly, or if there is a blockage somewhere in it, that lymphatic fluid collects in one place and forms a sac filled with water, that is, a cyst . That is what we call a cystic hygroma.

This is most often seen on the baby's neck . But it can also develop elsewhere on the body. These lumps can sometimes be seen during an ultrasound scan while the baby is still in the womb. Or they can appear as a small lump or bump under the skin after the baby is born. If this happens during pregnancy, there is sometimes a risk of miscarriage or stillbirth .

Who is most affected by this situation?

This condition called cystic hygroma can occur in any baby . This is because it can sometimes be caused by a genetic change that affects the way the baby's lymphatic system develops. It can sometimes occur on its own without any other disease. Or, it can also occur with genetic conditions such as Down syndrome , Turner syndrome , or Noonan syndrome .

But surprisingly, it can also rarely occur in adults . It usually occurs after some kind of physical accident or a respiratory infection .

How common is this condition?

In fact, cystic hygromas are very rare . They account for about 6% of non-cancerous /benign tumors in children. They are extremely rare in adults.

What are the symptoms of this?

The symptoms of a cystic hygroma can vary depending on the size and location of the cyst. Let's take a look at some of the most common symptoms:

• It looks like a swelling or lump under the skin .
• The area where the tumor is located can sometimes take on a bluish color .
• When you touch it, the fruit is soft .
• It is most often seen on the neck , but can occur anywhere on the body.
• The size of the fetus can range from the size of a grapefruit to the size of a jumbo bean . This may also increase as the baby grows.

Now let's look at some of the symptoms that can be a little more serious . These are the ones you should be very careful about:

• The external appearance of a part of the body may be distorted .
• Bones or internal organs may be damaged .
• The baby may have difficulty eating and drinking .
• Breathing difficulties (airway obstruction) may occur.
• There may be excessive bleeding (hemorrhage).
• Infection may occur.

As I mentioned earlier, if you have a cystic hygroma during pregnancy, there is a risk of miscarriage or stillbirth because the tumor can affect the development of the fetus. Sometimes, this tumor can cause excessive fluid to accumulate in the fetus (hydrops). If this happens, it can even cause the fetus to die.

Why does this cystic hygroma form? What are the causes?

In fact, the exact cause of cystic hygroma is not yet known . This tumor is formed due to damage to the lymphatic system that I mentioned during the fetal period. Or in adults, it can be due to a physical accident or a respiratory infection. When the lymphatic system is damaged, the lymph fluid does not flow into the bloodstream and instead accumulates under the skin, forming a fluid-filled tumor.

Some studies suggest that environmental factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, may also play a role. Other studies suggest that cystic hygromas are caused by genetic changes or mutations that affect the development of the lymphatic system.

Most often, these occur alone, but sometimes they can occur together with genetic conditions such as Down syndrome , Turner syndrome , or Noonan syndrome .

How do doctors recognize this?

A cystic hygroma is usually diagnosed before a baby is two years old . If you are pregnant, it can be detected during a prenatal ultrasound scan . A blood test called alpha-fetoprotein, which is done between 15 and 20 weeks, can also help confirm the diagnosis.

If tests during pregnancy show that there is an abnormality in the baby's chromosomes, the baby may be at risk for developing cystic hygroma. Your doctor will then closely monitor the development of the fetus to make sure that the baby is healthy.

After the baby is born, a doctor will physically examine the tumor and may also perform an X-ray , ultrasound , or MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis. Only then will a treatment plan be developed that is appropriate for your baby's condition.

What is the treatment for this?

The treatment for each baby with a cystic hygroma is different . The doctor's main goal is to remove the tumor completely, if possible. Treatment may include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor .
• Removing the fluid inside the cyst with a needle (also called ``Percutaneous drainage'').
• Diverting the fluid from the tumor to another part of the body (this is called sclerotherapy ).
• Removing the tumor using laser therapy .
• Shrinking the size of the tumor (this is called radiofrequency ablation ).

But sometimes no treatment is needed . This is because these tumors sometimes go away on their own . Also, sometimes after treatment, if there is damage to the lymphatic system, the tumor can grow back . The success of treatment varies. In most cases, if the surgeon can remove all of the abnormal tissue in the tumor, the outcome is likely to be good.

Can treatments cause complications?

If a tumor is removed surgically, it can sometimes leave a scar . This depends on the size of the tumor and its location. However, there are now other methods, such as laser therapy, that leave less scarring than traditional surgery.

The most important thing is that after treatment, especially when recovering from surgery, you need to care for the area where the tumor was as if it were a wound.

There is a risk of infection after any treatment. So, watch the cystic hygroma for any white or yellow pus-like discharge, changes in color, size, warmth, or pain . If you think your baby has an infection, see your doctor right away .

How can we prevent this situation?

Since the exact cause of cystic hygroma is not known, it is difficult to prevent it . However, you can do the following to help your baby grow healthily:

• Before you get pregnant , talk to your doctor about getting a genetic test . This will help you understand your risk of having a child with a genetic condition.
• Completely avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy .
• Go for regular medical checkups throughout your pregnancy so that you can monitor the health of your developing fetus.
• Eat a good balanced diet and stay healthy .

What's next? What are the chances of recovery?

The prognosis depends on several factors . These include when the doctor diagnosed the cystic hygroma, whether the tumor is associated with another underlying condition, the size of the tumor, and where it is located.

If the tumor is removed surgically , the chances of recovery are very good if the surgeon can safely remove the extra tissue inside the tumor. However, if it cannot be completely removed, there is about a 15% risk that the tumor will come back .

Early diagnosis and early treatment are the best ways to achieve the best results. This can reduce the risk of complications such as organ damage and changes in appearance that can occur due to the tumor.

If cystic hygroma occurs along with a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome , the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth is increased . Your healthcare provider will closely monitor the developing fetus throughout your pregnancy to make sure the baby is healthy.

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice anything like this about your baby's lump , definitely see a doctor :

• If the tumor size increases .
• If the color changes .
• If a yellowish or white liquid is leaking .
• If it is red, painful to the touch, or feels hot .
• If it causes pain or discomfort to the baby.
• If the baby is prevented from eating .

If your baby is having difficulty breathing, call 1990 (Suvaseriya Ambulance Service) immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What are the important questions to ask the doctor?

When you meet the doctor, don't forget to ask questions like these:

• "Does my baby need surgery to remove this tumor? "
• " Has this tumor caused any damage to organs, bones, or nerves? "
• " What are the side effects of the treatment you are proposing? "

Finally, a few things you need to remember...

It's normal to feel shocked and scared when you see something like a large lump on your newborn's neck. But don't worry. Your doctor will give your baby the best treatment and work to shrink the lump as much as possible or safely remove it.

Cystic hygroma can sometimes be associated with other genetic conditions, so if you are expecting a child and want to know your risk of having a child with a genetic condition, talk to your doctor about genetic testing .

Unfortunately, sometimes a miscarriage or stillbirth can occur. If that happens, your doctor will tell you about resources or guidance that can help you cope with the pain. Don't suffer alone, get the help you need.

` Cystic Hygroma, Cystic Hygroma, Lymph Nodes, Baby's Tumor, Pregnancy, Genetic Diseases, Child Health