Can lymphatic malformations heal on their own?
Aug 21, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. You Zhangxuan
Introduction
For some small, benign cystic lymphangiomas that typically do not spread to surrounding tissues or organs, there may be no further health problems, and they might gradually shrink over time. However, if a patient's cystic lymphangioma is malignant, it may cause severe symptoms such as pain, swelling, and infection, and generally will not resolve spontaneously.
Cystic lymphangioma refers to cystic hygroma. Whether cystic lymphangioma can heal spontaneously depends on specific circumstances—it may resolve on its own, but it also may not. Details are as follows:
1. It may heal spontaneously
Cystic lymphangioma is generally caused by abnormalities in the lymphatic system, leading to accumulation of lymphatic fluid within tissues and forming a mass. For some small, benign cystic lymphangiomas that do not spread to surrounding tissues or organs, they may not cause further health problems and could gradually shrink over time.
2. It may not heal spontaneously
If the cystic lymphangioma is malignant, it may lead to severe symptoms such as pain, swelling, and infection, and typically will not resolve without treatment. In such cases, patients usually require medical interventions at a hospital, including surgical removal, cryotherapy, or laser therapy.
In summary, whether cystic lymphangioma resolves spontaneously depends on individual circumstances. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical evaluation to prevent adverse outcomes.
