Superficial lymphatic malformation is a congenital malformation of the superficial lymphatics, presenting as groups of deep-seated, vesicle-like papules resembling frog spawn, at birth or shortly thereafter.James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 585. . Lymphangioma circumscriptum is the most common congenital lymphatic malformation. It is a benign condition and treatment is not required if the person who has it does not have symptoms from it.

Signs and symptoms

Lymphangioma circumscriptum is characterized by a rash on the skin featuring clear

vesicle Vesicle may refer to: ; In cellular biology or chemistry * Vesicle (biology and chemistry), a supramolecular assembly of lipid molecules, like a cell membrane * Synaptic vesicle ; In human embryology * Vesicle (embryology), bulge-like features o ...

s. The rash may be painful and is sometimes itchy. The vesicles often leak

lymph Lymph (from Latin, , meaning "water") is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system, a system composed of lymph vessels (channels) and intervening lymph nodes whose function, like the venous system, is to return fluid from the tissues to ...

and may bleed. The rash may appear similar to warts if the vesicles frequently break open.

Diagnosis

A biopsy of the affected skin and histological examination under the microscope is necessary to diagnose lymphangioma circumscriptum.

Differential diagnosis

Several other conditions may mimic lymphangioma circumscriptum. These conditions include infections such as an outbreak of herpes simplex,

herpes simplex vegetans Herpes simplex is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Infections are categorized based on the part of the body infected. Oral herpes involves the face or mouth. It may result in small blisters in groups often called cold s ...

, molluscum contagiosum, verruca vulgaris, and condyloma acuminatum. Similarly, benign and cancerous non-infectious conditions may also present in a similar manner and include conditions such as angiokeratoma, dermatitis herpetiformis, hemangioma, epidermal nevus, lymphangiectasia,

melanoma Melanoma, also redundantly known as malignant melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Melanomas typically occur in the skin, but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines, or eye ( ...

, angiosarcoma, and metastatic

carcinoma Carcinoma is a malignancy that develops from epithelial cells. Specifically, a carcinoma is a cancer that begins in a tissue that lines the inner or outer surfaces of the body, and that arises from cells originating in the endodermal, mesodermal ...

Treatment

The condition is benign and does not require treatment if the affected person does not have symptoms. Lymphangioma circumscriptum is often treated when it causes troubling symptoms to the affected person (itching, pain) or due to concerns about its cosmetic appearance. Surgical removal (excision) of the affected layers of skin is the most common and effective treatment. Treatment with ablative carbon dioxide lasers is a less invasive method that can be used to improve the appearance of lymphangioma circumscriptum. These laser treatments require local anesthesia and may cause significant wounds.

References

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