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10 weeks and cystic hygroma

I recently had a 10 week ultrasound and was sent to a specialist to find that my baby has a 4mm cystic hygroma on its neck and back. There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet. Just wondering if anyone has any information that may help or anyone has experienced this as well.  I go back for ultrasound in 2 weeks and CVS testing in 3  weeks.  Im scared to death for my baby.
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Avatar universal
Actually CH is old terminology. The terminolgy has an ending in "-oma" which means tumor, and it is not a tumor, but is a malformation that happens during prenatal development.

Here's a website showing the correct terminology:
http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Lymphatic%20Malformations

And here is a website to help everyone better understand the condition and what it is, with treatment options:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/vascular/diagnose/lymphatic.htm
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Avatar universal
Hi there! I am going to slightly disagree with the above comments :-)
My baby was diagnosed with a 8.4mm sepatated cystic hygroma at 12 weeks. He was born on 8th January this year. My specialist paediatrician explained there is indeed a difference between the terms - I cant remember all the details right now (should be in bed after only 3hrs sleep last night!!)

Hopefully your CVS will give you the answers you need. They first look at chromosonal issues - if this is clear next step is checking the babies heart as this is the next most common cause of the condition. Once this has been ruled out they look towards genetic syndromes. Sounds scary but take it all one step at a time.
I totally can relate to this being an incredibly stressful time. Whilst your measurement is out of the "normal" range is is still not particularly large. The lymphatic system may just be a little sow kicking in. Whilst hard not to panic (i know) you may well find your baby is absolutely normal in every way and that by your next scan it has completely resolved.

My baby had a very large reading. He was born with excess skin on the back of his neck - you cannot tell at all from the front. I had so so much testing along the way. The fluid on the back of his neck never completely resolved but they could find not a single other thing wrong with him. He is an absolute joy and "bloody normal" as my paed says!

Let us know how you got on with the CVS.

Best of luck xo
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Avatar universal
Cystic Hygroma is old terminology(the ending -oma means tumor and this is not a tumor), as the more accurate name for this condition is Lymphatic Malformation(LM). LMs are typically a fluke and there really is not a known cause for the condition. Though few may be associated with other medical conditions, like Noonan syndrome or Turners syndrome. A couple good, accurate websites for this condition are Boston Children's Hospital website: http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1256/mainpageS1256P0.html , Vascular Birthmark Foundation website: http://www.birthmark.org/node/129 , Cincinnati Children's Hospital website: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/vascular/diagnose/lymphatic.htm

LMs can be treated and many doctors will do exit procedures for baby's who have LM on the head/neck region to make sure the airway is not involved. Then there are multiple options for treatment of this condition with, surgery, sclerotherapy, or other injections to shrink the malformation.

Hope that helps...
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