Diagnostics and treatment of tongue lymphatic malformations in pediatric patients
Lymphatic malformation (LM) is malformation of the lymphatic system and often affects the tongue. Several aspects have such as: clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment of children with tongue LM have been taken into consideration. Based on the analysis of our own research the analysis of different diagnostic and treatment methods has been carried out on 49 children with tongue LM. Ultrasound diagnostic and magnetic resonance imaging has been used. Surgical treatment has been considered as the leading treatment of children with tongue LM in complicated cases such as postoperative macroglossia or scar deformity, and in the cases of isolated local lesions on the tongue. Removal of superficial lymph elements with ultrasonic destructor «CUSA Excel» method has been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of children with LM compared to the laser ablation of Nd: YAG-laser due to the lack of post-operative scarring. After 2-4 sessions of ultrasonic destruction of surface elements on the tongue stable positive effect has been shown. Complications such as partial discrepancy joints, scar deformity, muscle paralysis half of the tongue have been observed in 9 patients.