Bleomycin sclerotherapy in patients with congenital lymphatic malformation in the head and neck.

UNLABELLED

Congenital lymphatic malformations of the head and neck often present challenging problems to the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. Although surgical excision was agreed to be the treatment of choice for this disease, the infiltrating nature of lymphatic channels often increases the frequency of operative complications and recurrences of this lesion.

PURPOSE

Bleomycin sclerotherapy was attempted to avoid surgical risk and to cure this lesion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical findings and treatment results were reviewed for patients with congenital lymphatic malformation and treated by bleomycin sclerotherapy.

RESULTS

Bleomycin sclerotherapy was a very effective therapeutic alternative. The best results were seen in cystic type 1 lesions in younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Bleomycin sclerotherapy is a useful medical alternative, and we believe that it should be attempted before excision of the lesion.