Fractionated radiotherapy in the management of benign vascular tumors.

PURPOSE: To better characterize the long-term therapeutic ratio of fractionated radiotherapy for benign vascular and lymphatic tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 19 medical records with 13 hemangiomas, 3 hemangioblastomas, and 3 benign lymphatic tumors treated with radiotherapy at the University of Florida from 1984 to 2007 to assess clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes. The 10 men and 9 women had a median age of 43 years (range, 2 to 74 y). Six patients underwent radiotherapy alone; 13 patients underwent radiotherapy after surgery. Median radiotherapy dose was 40 Gy (range, 15 to 63.6 Gy). Median observed follow-up was 6.2 years (range, 1.6 to 25.0 y). Disease-free survival was defined by the absence of tumor progression or death from disease. Event-free survival was defined by the absence of tumor progression, death from disease, or severe complication. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and event-free survival rates were 87%, 84%, and 74%, respectively. Immediately after treatment, there was 1 patient with tumor progression, 10 with stable disease, 7 with partial tumor regression, and 1 complete tumor regression. Ultimately, 3 patients experienced local tumor progression and 16 patients had long-term tumor control. Twelve patients had symptom improvement. Thirteen patients were alive with no evidence of progressive disease. Two patients were alive with symptomatic tumors. Four patients died: 2 from disease and 2 from unrelated causes. Two grade 3 and 2 grade 4 complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: When symptomatic benign vascular and lymphatic tumors are unresectable and not amenable to radiosurgery or embolization, fractionated radiotherapy represents a viable alternative with an acceptable long-term therapeutic ratio.

Linfangiomas de cavidad oral en edad pediátrica / Lymphangiomas of the oral cavity in childhood

Los linfangiomas son tumores raros y benignos producidos por el desarrollo anómalo de los vasos linfáticos. Presentamos un caso de linfangioma quístico asintomático localizado en paladar duro; se trata de una localización atípica, puesto que la mayoría de esas lesiones se localizan en la lengua a nivel de cavidad oral. Se realizó una resección con láser de CO2, sin que se evidenciase recidiva tras dos años de seguimiento. Actualmente se acepta adoptar una actitud expectante o el tratamiento con agentes esclerosantes que reduzcan su tamaño o los eliminen (AU)

Lymphangiomas are rare, benign tumors produced by the abnormal development of the lymphatic vessels. We present a case of asymptomatic cystic lymphangioma localized in the hard palate. This is an uncommon location since most of these lesions are found in the tongue at the level of the oral cavity. Resection was performed with CO laser, and there was no evidence of recurrence after two years of follow-up. At the present time, the approaches most widely accepted are expectant treatment or administration of sclerosing agents that reduce the size of the lesions or eliminate them (AU)

Ruptured retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation.

Retroperitoneal lymphatic malformations can cause significant displacement, pressure, or entrapment of adjacent organs raising suspicion of a malignant retroperitoneal tumor. They often mimic ascites but may rarely be a cause of ascites. Computed tomography (CT) imaging findings in an infant with a cystic retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation and massive chylous ascites are reported.

Radiation-induced hypoplasia of the teeth and mandible. A case report.

Hypoplasia of the mandible and teeth is reported in a 4-year-old boy who had cystic hygroma. At age 7 months he had been treated with 60Co-gamma-radiation (24 Gy to the head and neck, 45 Gy to the mediastinum) followed by surgery. Panoramic and periapical radiographs showed hypoplasia of the roots of the primary canines, molars, and permanent teeth and no evidence of tooth germs. The patient was followed up to age 13 years.