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

Abstract

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.