Isolated lymphatic malformations (LMs) are localized abnormalities of the lymphatic system. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the size, depth, and location of the malformation and may change over time. Some symptoms are present at birth or early childhood, while others develop later.
Not everyone with an isolated LM experiences the same symptoms, and severity can range from mild to more complex.
Common Physical Symptoms
People with isolated LMs may experience:
- Soft, fluid-filled masses near the skin or deeper in the tissues
- Visible swelling or lumps, often in the head, neck, armpit, or groin
- Clear or blue-purple vesicles on the skin surface or inside the mouth
- Pain, tenderness, or sudden enlargement, often related to inflammation or bleeding within the LM
- Oozing or bleeding from fragile surface cysts
- Recurrent infections in or around the malformation
LMs that occur deeper in muscle or soft tissue may not be visible on the skin and are sometimes identified through imaging studies.
Functional Challenges
Depending on where the LM is located, symptoms may affect daily activities, including:
- Breathing difficulties, especially with neck or airway involvement
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or eating
- Vision problems if the LM is near the eye
- Cosmetic concerns or asymmetry, particularly when LMs affect visible areas such as the face or neck
Symptoms can vary even within the same individual and may require ongoing monitoring.
Changes Over Time
Isolated LMs may change over time. Some people notice that symptoms:
- Fluctuate in size or severity
- Worsen during infections, injury, puberty, or pregnancy
- Remain stable for long periods
Symptoms can vary even within the same individual and may require ongoing monitoring.
Internal Lymphatic Malformations
Rarely, internal LMs may lead to fluid buildup around organs, such as the lungs, heart, or abdomen. These fluid collections are called effusions and may cause discomfort or other complications depending on their location.
Do Symptoms Differ Between Microcystic and Macrocystic LMs?
Symptoms can overlap between microcystic, macrocystic, and mixed lymphatic malformations, and many people have features of more than one type.
In general:
- Microcystic (LM) are more likely to involve the skin or mucosal surfaces and may cause surface vesicles, oozing, or recurrent infections.
- Macrocystic LMs are more often associated with larger, deeper fluid-filled cysts that cause visible swelling or pressure on nearby structures.
However, symptoms are often influenced more by location and extent than by cyst size alone.
