Cutaneous Vascular Anomalies – Lymphangioma

Lymphangiomas are a very common cutaneous vascular anomaly that I encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  Lymphangiomas (also called lymphangiectases) are enlargements of lymphatic vessels in the skin.  Clinically, Lymphangiomas resemble “frogs eggs” as they are clear to flesh colored fluid filled papules.  They can be found in various anatomic locations and are benign.  However, Lymphangiomas may arise spontaneously in patients who have a cancer obstructing lymphatic flow on an extremity.  They may also appear after treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer.  Trauma to the skin can also cause the appearance of Lymphangiomas.  Treatment of Lymphangiomas can be accomplished via laser or surgical excision.