de Serres et al proposed a staging system for lymphatic malformations of the head and neck. This can help to identify the risk for complications and more aggressive management. The authors are from Children's Hospital Seattle.
Patient selection: head and neck lymphatic malformation
Parameters:
(1) unilateral vs bilateral
(2) location relative to the hyoid
Laterality
Location
Stage
unilateral
infrahyoid
I
unilateral
suprahyoid
II
unilateral
suprahyoid and infrahyoid
III
bilateral
suprahyoid
IV
bilateral
suprahyoid and infrahyoid
V
where:
• There was no stage for bilateral and infrahyoid. Hamoir et al refer to this as Stage VI.
Complications:
(1) infection
(2) interference with airway affecting breathing
(3) feeding difficulties
(4) cosmetic deformity
(5) speech delay or disorder
Stage
Complication Rate
I
17%
II
41%
III
67%
IV
80%
V
100%
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