MRI Followup

This morning was Alanna's MRI follow up appointment. I think I will sleep well tonight :)

The MRI showed that the cystic mass on her cheek is indeed a lymphatic malformation (which was what the dr was leaning towards for diagnosis.) The mass is very unusual in a good way in that it is completely contained. This is fantastic news! Most lymphatic malformations spread out and have very undefined edges making removal difficult and often unsuccessful...they typically can only get part of it. The likelihood of a full removal is very very good in Alanna's case. We're working with a well-known and respected cranio-facial pediatric surgeon and his recommendation was to wait a couple more years to do the surgery. The likelihood is that it will eventually enlarge, but hopefully not before she is 4 years old.

At that time, they will do surgery. He will be able to come in just in front of her ear, so there should be no scarring on her face, and remove the sac and fluid permanently. In the event that it swells or changes size before that point, we simply have to call him to schedule the surgery earlier since we have already done all the prep footwork and proactive steps that are necessary. So for now, it's just a matter of seeing him every 3-6 months for a re-evaluation.

Good news! :)