Lymphangioma of the tongue: report of four cases with dental aspects.

ABSTRACT

Lymphangiomas are rare congenital malformations which are commonly seen in the head and neck region. The disease can be histologically differentiated from other vascular disorders such as cavernous or capillary hemangioma with the lymphatic endothelium-lined cystic spaces. The onset of lymphangiomas are either at birth (60 to 70%) or up to two years of age (90%). It is rare in adults. The therapeutic strategy is mainly based on the surgical removal of the lesion. The risk of recurrence is high in incomplete removal of the lesion. In this article, we discuss the major clinical manifestations, disease-related impairments and dental problems which patients may face as well as treatment options for lymphangioma of the tongue. Within this context, we present four cases of lymphangioma of tongue, including two with a giant macroglossia leading problems in dentition and related dental problems.