Which type of lymphangioma is described as a small lesion (<2 cm) located in the head, neck, or axillary subcutaneous tissue and containing lymph but lacking red blood cells?

Which type of lymphangioma is described as a small lesion (<2 cm) located in the head, neck, or axillary subcutaneous tissue and containing lymph but lacking red blood cells?

• A. Cavernous lymphangioma
• B. Lymphangioma circumscriptum
• C. Simple(capillary) lymphangioma
• D. Cystic hygroma

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing lymphangioma subtypes by size, depth, and content is what this item relies on. A simple (capillary) lymphangioma is the small, superficial form—usually under 2 cm—and located in the head, neck, or axillary subcutaneous tissue. Histologically, it consists of small, dilated lymphatic channels lined by endothelium and filled with lymph fluid, with no red blood cells present. That combination of tiny size, superficial dermal or subcutaneous location, and lymph-filled lumina makes it the best match. In contrast, cavernous lymphangioma has larger lymphatic spaces in deeper tissues; cystic hygroma is a large, cystic lesion often in the neck of infants; lymphangioma circumscriptum presents as superficial clusters of tiny vesicles on the skin. The lack of red blood cells in the lumina helps distinguish lymphatic channels from blood-containing vessels.

Distinguishing lymphangioma subtypes by size, depth, and content is what this item relies on. A simple (capillary) lymphangioma is the small, superficial form—usually under 2 cm—and located in the head, neck, or axillary subcutaneous tissue. Histologically, it consists of small, dilated lymphatic channels lined by endothelium and filled with lymph fluid, with no red blood cells present. That combination of tiny size, superficial dermal or subcutaneous location, and lymph-filled lumina makes it the best match. In contrast, cavernous lymphangioma has larger lymphatic spaces in deeper tissues; cystic hygroma is a large, cystic lesion often in the neck of infants; lymphangioma circumscriptum presents as superficial clusters of tiny vesicles on the skin. The lack of red blood cells in the lumina helps distinguish lymphatic channels from blood-containing vessels.