Aspiration of the cystic contents was used as a temporizing measure in the past to relieve airway obstruction. Most authors discourage this practice because of the risk of infection. Sclerosing agents have been used in the past, but have fallen into disfavor due to the close proximity of major vascular structures and the brachial plexus. Ogita et al in Japan have described using OK-432 an immune modulator derived for low virulence strep pyogenes to stimulate an inflammatory response in the LM with resulting regression. Radiation therapy was used in the past, but is characterized by a high failure rate, and risk of lymphangitis, lymphedema, and lymphangiosarcoma.
Laser treatment is popular for the treatment of oral cavity and airway lesions.
The advantages are less post-op edema, less tissue trauma and less bleeding. In these areas conservative therapy may result in frequent recurrence, while aggressive resection may lead to unacceptably high morbidity. Multiple treatments are often necessary. Complete exam is desirable, but can be difficult to achieve. Incomplete resection is associated with higher recurrence rates.