What is Cystic Hygroma?

Cystic hygromas is characterized by an abnormal growth on an infant's neck or head. This condition is believed to be congenital in nature or the disorder develops when the baby is still inside the womb. In some instances the condition can become visible after birth. A blockage in the lymphatic system causes the growth of fluid filled sacs known as cystic hygromas. These fluid filled sacs can grow over time.

According to research studies this condition is rare that it could occur 1% of fetuses. The team also says that 50% of all the fetuses with hygroma have chromosomal anomaly. Outcomes are usually good if the baby has normal chromosomes and the hygroma work out its own by the 20th week. If the hygroma fails to resolve its own serious medical complications could arise on the fetus. There is also a high risk of miscarriage and fetal death among pregnant women.

There are 2 possible causes of hygroma and they are:

Environmental factors such as hereditary viral infections and alcohol and drug exposures during pregnancy.Genetic factors cause cystic hygromas among infants with genetic diseases. Conditions associated with hygroma are:Noonan syndrome - is caused by a mutation in one of seven particular genes.Trisomy 13, 18, or 18 - these are disorders where infants have an extra copy of a chromosome.Turner's syndrome - female infant has only one x chromosome instead of two.

Main symptom of cystic hygroma is the manifestation of a lump on the neck which commonly appears as soft, and compressible. Although some hygromas could manifest in any part of the body where there is lymphatic tissue. Cystic hygromas could range from smaller than a coin and as large as the infant's head. Large growths may hinder movement and may cause some difficulties.

Cystic hygroma can be diagnosed by amniocentesis. This test can determine if there are genetic abnormalities in the fetus. Other tests include:

If cystic hygroma is detected while the baby is still inside the womb treatment of the condition may not be necessary for the moment. Instead, closely monitoring the baby's health is done to prevent complications. After child birth, treatment is done by surgery removing the entire growth is necessary to prevent it from growing back. Other treatments include vitamins and supplements such as B complex vitamins which can help lessen the symptoms associated with cystic hygroma.

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Eliza Anderson has published 237 articles. Article submitted on September 17, 2014. Word count: 386

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