Haemolymphangiomas of the lower extremities: two case reports and review of the literature.

Abstract

Haemolymphangiomas are congenital malformations of the vascular system, benign in origin. They can be either defined at birth or in early childhood, but the recurrence rate is usually high and complete resection is difficult to be achieved. We report two cases of haemolymphangiomas present at the tibias. We used radiographic control, ultrasound and magnetic resonance to detect the nature of the tumour and the anatomical relation with the surrounding tissues providing the appropriate surgical treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed postoperatively by histopathology. The first case presented multiple recurrences because of insufficient draining and immobilization of the leg, whereas the second case had no complications or recurrence postoperatively. Both patients had no complications or recurrence in 24-month follow-up. Haemolymphangiomas are very challenging to be treated as they can grow slowly and remain asymptomatic for many years. Sometimes they can be very aggressive in growth without characteristics of malignancy. The choice of treatment is the complete surgical excision of the tumour, sufficient and long-lasting draining, and immobilization of the extremity to abolish the possibility of recurrence. Other methods of treatment did not show better results than surgical resection.