View source for Lymphangioma circumscriptum

{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name            = Lymphangioma circumscriptum
| synonyms        = Superficial lymphatic malformation
| image           = SkinTumors-PB061068.JPG
| caption         = Lymphangioma circumscriptum; only [[Papillary dermis|stratum papillare]] is affected.
| field           = Dermatology
| symptoms        = Vesicular rash, pain, itching, lymph leakage
| complications   = Bleeding, infection
| onset           = Congenital
| causes          = Developmental vascular anomaly
| diagnosis       = Clinical appearance, biopsy, histology
| differential    = [[Herpes simplex]], [[molluscum contagiosum]], [[angiokeratoma]]
| treatment       = Excision, carbon dioxide laser therapy
| frequency       = Rare
}}

'''Superficial [[lymphatic malformation]]''' is a congenital [[vascular anomaly]] of the superficial lymphatics, presenting as groups of deep-seated, vesicle-like papules resembling frog spawn, at birth or shortly thereafter.<ref name="Andrews">James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 585. {{ISBN|0-7216-2921-0}}.</ref> Lymphangioma circumscriptum is the most common congenital lymphatic malformation. It is a benign condition, and treatment is not required if the person who has it does not experience symptoms from the condition. 

==Signs and symptoms==
Lymphangioma circumscriptum is characterized by a rash on the skin featuring clear [[Vesicle (dermatology)|vesicles]]. The rash may be painful and is sometimes [[pruritus|itchy]]. The vesicles often leak [[lymph]] and may bleed. The rash may appear similar to warts if the vesicles frequently break open. 

==Diagnosis==
A biopsy of the affected skin and [[Histology|histological]] examination under a microscope are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of lymphangioma circumscriptum. 

===Differential diagnosis===
Several other conditions may mimic lymphangioma circumscriptum. These include infections such as an outbreak of [[herpes simplex]], [[herpes simplex vegetans]], [[molluscum contagiosum]], [[verruca vulgaris]], and [[condyloma acuminatum]]. Similarly, benign and cancerous non-infectious conditions may also present in a similar manner, such as [[angiokeratoma]], [[dermatitis herpetiformis]], [[hemangioma]], [[epidermal nevus]], [[lymphangiectasia]], [[melanoma]], [[angiosarcoma]], and metastatic [[carcinoma]]s.

==Treatment==
The condition is benign and does not require treatment if the affected person does not have symptoms. Treatment is often pursued for troubling symptoms (itching, pain) or for cosmetic reasons. Surgical removal (excision) of the affected skin layers is the most common and effective treatment. Ablative [[carbon dioxide laser]] therapy is a less invasive method that can improve the appearance. This treatment requires local anesthesia and may cause significant wounds. Other treatment options include sclerotherapy and cryotherapy in cases where excision is not feasible.

== See also ==
* [[Lymphangioma]]
* [[Skin lesion]]
* [[List of cutaneous conditions]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Medical resources
| DiseasesDB     =  
| ICD10          = D18.1 ([[ILDS]] D18.130) 
| eMedicineSubj  = article 
| eMedicineTopic = 1086806 
}}
{{Vascular tumors}}{{Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology}}
[[Category:Vascular anomalies]]
[[Category:Cutaneous congenital anomalies]]