title: A holistic approach to a rare pathology.
abstract: A case of cystic hygroma (CH), a congenital lymph-filled multicystic hamartoma of the neck, with a holistic approach to patient management is presented. The stigma of the CH imposed by attending physicians, dentists, parents, teachers and peers affected the psychological development of this patient since her diagnosis in childhood. Although surgery relieves the threat of airway obstruction and may improve the esthetic appearance of the CH, the patient may be isolated and traumatized by the ignorance and superstitions of the individuals she encounters on a daily basis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, USA. ml1094@nova.edu
authors.forename: Morton
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lieberman
authors.forename: Ines
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Velez
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mejia
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Siegel
mesh_terms: D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D018191:Lymphangioma, Cystic / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged