To understand lymphatic malformation, it's important to understand a bit about the lymphatic system.
- Lymphatic vessels are like blood vessels. The difference is they carry a clear fluid instead of blood.
- The lymphatic system collects extra fluid from the tissues of the body and carries it back to the veins.
- If the system is not formed normally, the fluid is slow to travel back to the veins and extra fluid collects in the body. This leads to swollen or enlarged soft tissues and bones. This is called a lymphatic malformation.
- Lymphatic malformation is caused by defective lymphatic vessel development before birth, probably due to a localized genetic mutation. They are present at birth but may not show up until later.
- A lymphatic malformation can be composed of a collection of cysts or enlarged channels or vessels. It can be localized or very extensive, affecting multiple parts of the body.
- A lymphatic malformation is sometimes seen in children who have other genetic conditions.
If the lymphatic system is not formed normally, the fluid is slow to travel back to the veins and extra fluid collects in the body. This leads to swollen or enlarged soft tissues and bones that is called a lymphatic malformation.
The malformation may stop growing, but some will keep growing and may grow quickly during puberty. Larger malformations may get infected, bleed or cause injury to the surrounding area.