Lymphangioma - Classification

Classification

Lymphangiomas have traditionally been classified into three subtypes: capillary and cavernous lymphangiomas and cystic hygroma. This classification is based on their microscopic characteristics. A fourth subtype, the hemangiolymphangioma is also recognized.

Capillary lymphangiomas

Capillary lymphangiomas are composed of small, capillary-sized lymphatic vessels and are characteristically located in the epidermis.

Cavernous lymphangiomas

Composed of dilated lymphatic channels, cavernous lymphangiomas characteristically invade surrounding tissues.

Cystic hygromas

Cystic hygromas are large, macrocystic lymphangiomas filled with straw-colored, protein-rich fluid.

Hemangiolymphangioma

As suggested by their name, hemangiolymphangiomas are lymphangiomas with a vascular component.

Lymphangiomas may also be classified into microcystic, macrocystic, and mixed subtypes, according to the size of their cysts.

Microcystic lymphangiomas

Microcystic lymphangiomas are composed of cysts, each of which measures less than 2 cm3 in volume.

Macrocystic lymphangiomas

Macrocystic lymphangiomas contain cysts measuring more than 2 cm3 in volume.

Mixed lymphangiomas

Lymphangiomas of the mixed type contain both microcystic and macrocystic components.

Finally, lymphangiomas may be described in stages, which vary by location and extent of disease. In particular, stage depends on whether lymphangiomas are present above or superior to the hyoid bone (suprahyoid), below or inferior to the hyoid bone (infrahyoid), and whether the lymphangiomas are on one side of the body (unilateral) or both (bilateral).

Stage I

Unilateral infrahyoid.

Stage II

Unilateral suprahyoid.

Stage III

Unilateral suprahyoid and infrahyoid.

Stage IV

Bilateral suprahyoid.

Stage V

Bilateral suprahyoid and infrahyoid.