Cystic lymphangiomas of the tongue: 3 rare cases and a literature review of classifications and therapeutic possibilities

Abstract Background Cystic lymphangiomas of the tongue are rare. The treatment consists of complete resection and management is generally interdisciplinary due to vital, functional, and esthetic comorbidities. This work is a report of three rare cases of cystic lymphangioma of the tongue, with curious mode of presentation and good outcome, as well as a literature review of clinical features, classifications, and therapeutic possibilities. Case presentation This work presents three patients. The first one presented with a lymphangioma in the junction between base and body of tongue; the clinical aspect was first similar to hemangioma, and then the diagnosis was re-established after slight enlargement of the mass. The patient was treated with sclerotherapy with great outcome. The second patient presented with a large lymphangioma which presented a clinical resemblance with a tumor of the tongue, the diagnosis was established upon radiological aspect and confirmed upon histological findings. The third patient presented with a macroglossia which appeared 3 years after excision of the cystic hygroma of the neck; the patient was surgically treated with excellent outcome. Conclusion Cystic lymphangiomas are rare hamartomatous lymphatic malformations, and they have a predilection for head and neck but the lingual localization is quite rare. Treatment is complete excision. Management is generally interdisciplinary. The main objective is to prevent alteration to function, to treat esthetic comorbidities, and prevent speech impediment especially in very young children. This is the cases of three young children with a rare lingual cystic lymphangioma, with adapted treatment and satisfactory outcome, with a literature review of clinical presentation, classifications, and therapeutic approaches.