Question
An infant presented in the surgical OPD with complaints of a unilateral swelling in the neck. The swelling was soft, cystic, partially compressible and brilliantly transilluminant. The most probable diagnosis is
The correct answer is
Cystic Hygroma
Diagnosis of Infant Neck Swelling
Clinical Presentation Analysis
The key features presented are:
- Patient: Infant
- Symptom: Unilateral neck swelling
- Characteristics: Soft, cystic, partially compressible, brilliantly transilluminant
Differential Diagnosis Evaluation
We evaluate the options based on the clinical signs, particularly transillumination:
| Diagnosis | Typical Location | Consistency | Compressibility | Transillumination |
| Branchial fistula | Lateral neck (external opening) | Fistulous tract | Variable | Poor/None |
| Branchial cyst | Lateral neck (anterior to SCM muscle) | Firm, fluctuant | Partial | Variable, often poor |
| Cystic Hygroma | Posterior triangle, can be unilateral | Soft, cystic | Partial | Brilliant |
| Thyroglossal cyst | Midline neck | Firm, fluctuant | Partial | Poor/None |
Probable Diagnosis
The combination of a soft, cystic, partially compressible swelling that is brilliantly transilluminant is highly characteristic of a Cystic Hygroma. This condition is a lymphatic malformation where the fluid-filled sacs allow light to pass through easily.
Therefore, the most probable diagnosis is Cystic Hygroma.
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Important Questions from Lymphatic System
- An infant presented in the surgical OPD with complaints of a unilateral swelling in the neck. The swelling was soft, cystic, partially compressible and brilliantly transilluminant. The most probable diagnosis is
- The malignancy associated with Stewart-treves syndrome is
- A 52 year old female underwent MRM (Modified Radical Mastectomy). After few years, she developed lymphedema of the ipsilateral arm. Which of the following malignancy can develop in her arm?
- Which of the following statements regarding lymphoedema are correct?
1. Patients experience constant dull ache and even severe pain sometimes
2. Manual lymphatic drainage has a role
3. Primary lymphoedema is caused by congenital lymphatic dysplasia
4. Nonne Milroy's disease is a type of primary lymphoedema
Select the correct answer using the code given below: - In India, the commonest cause of unilateral lymphoedema of lower limb is:
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