Lymphatic malformations are usually detected in infants and children, but rarely in adults. We report a case of submandibular lymphatic malformation in an adult.
A 31-year-old male had been diagnosed with plunging ranula at another hospital and treated with OK-432 percutaneous therapy for 10 years. Because painless submandibular swelling remained, the patient was referred to our department. However, the lesion was diagnosed as lymphatic malformation by radiological findings and aspiration. The patient underwent resection of the lesion via the submandibular approach under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed a lymphatic malformation. There has been no evidence of recurrence for 5 years after surgery.
Lymphatic malformations of the submandibular region in adults are very rare, but it is important to differentiate lymphatic malformation from plunging ranula, and the appropriate treatment should be performed.
