Which lesion is typically small (<2 cm), commonly occurs in the head, neck, or axillary subcutaneous tissue, contains lymph and has no red blood cells?

• A. Simple(capillary) lymphangioma
• B. Cavernous lymphangioma
• C. Lymphangioma circumscriptum
• D. Cystic hygroma

Answer: (A)

Lymphangiomas are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system, and they are categorized by the size and depth of the lymphatic channels. The small, superficial form, known as simple (capillary) lymphangioma, consists of numerous tiny lymphatic channels in the dermis or subcutis. It is typically under 2 cm, commonly located in the head and neck or axillary subcutaneous tissue, and filled with lymph fluid rather than blood, so red blood cells are not present. This directly fits the description given. In contrast, cavernous lymphangioma involves larger, deeper lymphatic channels and tends to be bigger and more infiltrative; cystic hygroma is a large, cystic lesion usually in the neck or axilla present at birth; lymphangioma circumscriptum presents as superficial vesicular clusters on the skin.