Intrathoracic Cystic Hygroma

Abstract

Three cases of cystic hygroma in adults are presented. Cystic hygroma is a type of lymphangioma with large dilated cystic lymph spaces which usually occur in the neck or axillae in infants. The mediastinal type of cystic hygroma is rare (less than 1%) and is usually not discovered until adulthood because of its asymptomatic nature and deep location. Roentgen findings are not specific, but features which help differentiate cystic hygroma from other malignant processes include a sharp border and uniform density to the mass, macroscopic cystic lymph spaces, and little lobulation of the surface of the mass. Treatment is early surgical excision.