What is Lymphatic Malformation?
As with other vascular malformations, lymphatic malformations are a type of vascular anomaly that involves “blood vessels.” In this case, they are derived from abnormal lymphatic channels, which are part of the vascular system much like capillaries, arteries and veins.
Lymphatic channels do not carry blood but are responsible for carrying away the excess fluid that surrounds our tissues and delivering it back to the body’s circulation.
They also play a role in proper immune function by passing this fluid through lymph nodes that are responsible for fighting infections. For unknown reasons, these channels can develop abnormally while in the womb just as other vascular malformations and can persist for life. Sometimes, they can present as a subtle swelling and other times as large mass. There can be blistering of the overlying skin that can appear clear, yellowish or dark purple. If there is infection, there can be redness, swelling, pain, warmth and fevers.
The channels within the malformation may be characterized as macrocystic (large, dilated sacs) or microcystic (small, sponge-like sacs). Proper treatment of these lesions is dependent on the appearance of the malformation. Surgery is not always recommended and can result in disfigurement in some instances. Sclerotherapy, a method of injecting a medication to reduce the size of certain vascular malformations, is an effective treatment for macrocystic lymphatic malformations.
Lymphatic malformations may be referred to as “lymphangiomas” or “cystic hygromas,” which can be confusing. This often leads to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Dr. Panossian has vast experience in the treatment of lymphatic and other vascular malformations and can properly diagnose and individualize treatment for his patients. He has also developed novel techniques to treat these lesions using a minimally invasive approach.
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Why choose Dr Panossian
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
