Giant mesenteric cystic lymphangioma presenting with abdominal pain and masquerading as a gynecologic malignancy

• Published in: Rare tumors 2009-12, Vol.1 (2), p.e48-149
• Main Authors: Maa, John, Wa, Christianne, Jaigirdir, Adnan, Cho, Soo-Jin, Corvera, Carlos U
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2036-3613; 2036-3605; 2036-3613
• DOI: 10.4081/rt.2009.e48

Lymphangiomas are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that account for about 5% of all benign tumors in infants and children.(1) The most common sites are the neck and axilla, which account for 95% of cases.(2) Abdominal cystic lymphangiomas are quite rare, and can arise from either the retroperitoneum, gastrointestinal tract, or the mesentery of the abdominal viscera.(3) The presenting symptoms are painless abdominal distension, a palpable mass, or secondary complications in the abdomen such as intestinal obstruction, volvulus, intestinal infarction, or bleeding.(4) Typically diagnosed during childhood, these tumors prompt surgical intervention. We describe an atypical case of an abdominal cystic lymphangioma, which did not manifest until adulthood, with atypical symptoms of a rapidly expanding and symptomatic mass.