title: Lymphatic malformations in children and adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article aimed to present a series of surgically treated lymphatic malformations of the cervicofacial region in a population of children and adolescents during a 13-year period.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of all children and adolescents with cervicofacial lymphatic malformations, treated surgically at our department from 1998 to 2011, were reviewed retrospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen patients with 20 lymphatic malformations located within the soft tissues of the cervicofacial region were identified. All patients were submitted to surgical treatment (excision or resection with conventional scalpel or radiosurgery) to address complications (ulceration, bleeding, impaired mastication and feeding, airway obstruction) and/or aesthetic issues. Recurrence was noted in 2 of our patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Accurate diagnosis based on history, clinical examination, and adequate imaging techniques is the key to the optimal treatment of cervicofacial lymphatic malformations; surgical intervention remains the treatment of choice for these lesions.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, A&P Kyriakou Children's Hospital of Athens, Dental School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Ourania K
authors.initials: OK
authors.lastname: Schoinohoriti
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Theologie-Lygidakis
authors.forename: Fotios
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tzerbos
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Iatrou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D044148:Lymphatic Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome