Which of the following statements correctly identifies lymphangiomas?

• A. They are the capillary variant of vascular tumors
• B. They are the lymphatic counterpart of hemangiomas
• C. They are typically large, rapidly regressing lesions
• D. They are synonymous with pyogenic granuloma

Answer: (B)

Lymphangiomas are benign malformations of the lymphatic vessels. They represent the lymphatic counterpart of hemangiomas, arising from developmental sequestration of lymphatic tissue and formed by dilated lymphatic channels lined by endothelium and filled with clear lymph. Clinically, they often present as soft, congenital masses that can be superficial or deep; in the neck, they may form a cystic hygroma. This explains why the correct statement identifies them as the lymphatic counterpart of hemangiomas. They are not simply capillary vascular tumors, nor are they typically large, rapidly regressing lesions. They are also not synonymous with pyogenic granuloma, which is a reactive, capillary lesion.