Fetal cystic hygroma is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal lymphatic fluid located in a part of the baby's body that is identified on ultrasound during pregnancy. Treatment can be surgical or sclerotherapy depending on the severity and condition of the baby.
Diagnosis of fetal cystic hygroma
The diagnosis of fetal cystic hygroma can be made through an exam called nuchal translucency in the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Often the presence of fetal cystic hygroma is related to Turner syndrome, Down syndrome or Edward syndrome, which are genetic diseases that cannot be cured, but there are cases where there is no genetic syndrome involved, this abnormality being only an alteration of the vessels lymph nodes located on the baby's neck.
But these babies are more likely to suffer from heart, circulatory or skeletal disease.
Treatment for fetal cystic hygroma
Treatment for fetal cystic hygroma is usually done with a local injection of Ok432, a medication that reduces the size of the cyst, eliminating it almost completely in a single application.
However, because it is not known exactly what causes the tumor and therefore cannot eliminate it, the cyst may reappear some time later, requiring another treatment.
When the cyst is located within important structures such as the brain or very close to vital organs, the risk / benefit of surgery for tumor removal should be evaluated. However, in most cases, the cystic hygroma occurs in the posterior region of the neck, a region that can be easily treated, without leaving any sequelae.
Useful links:
