Alveolar Lymphangioma in Neonate: A Case Report With Immune Profile

BACKGROUND: Alveolar lymphangioma is a rare condition that commonly develops on the alveolar ridge of Black male neonates. It typically presents as a bluish, dome-shaped swelling smaller than 1 cm on the posterior alveolar ridge of the mandible or/and maxilla, that allows it to be diagnosed clinically. Most previously reported cases of alveolar lymphangioma report spontaneous resolution, and biopsy is seldom performed unless the lesion becomes symptomatic or interferes with feeding.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of oral alveolar lymphangioma on the anterior maxillary alveolar ridge of an 11-day-old infant of non-black descent. The lesion presented as a pedunculated, reddish, lobular mass in the anterior maxilla. Given its atypical presentation and the potential for feeding difficulties, an excisional biopsy was performed. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically through biopsy and supported by immunohistochemical staining.

CONCLUSION: This case expands the understanding of alveolar lymphangioma by reporting it in a non-Black neonate with an unusual location and appearance, emphasising the need for excisional biopsy to rule out other potential oral lesions, especially neoplasms.