[Sclerotherapy for cystic lesions of the head and neck region].

Cystic lesions are frequently occurring diseases of the head and neck region. Complete surgical resection near to neurovascular structures can be accompanied by various complications. In selected cases intralesional injection of OK-432 could constitute an alternative. The average success rate of sclerotherapy of lymphatic malformations is 60%. Side effects are rare. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, simple and cost-effective procedure performed without general anaesthesia at the outpatient clinic. Nerve lesions or troublesome scarring do not occur. In residual cases surgical excision is realisable without any difficulty. Repeated injections of sclerotherapy agents represent a disadvantage. Abscess formation has been observed as a rare complication. A malignant disease has to be excluded by cytological examination before commencing sclerotherapy. The intracystic injection of OK-432 is an effective treatment modality for cystic cervical lesions.