Splenic lymphangioma in adulthood: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Splenic disease are uncommon and primary tumors of the spleen are very rare. These are classified as splenic cyst, benign and malignant tumors. Splenic lymphangioma is a rare, slow-growing benign tumor of the spleen. More often seen in children, it is a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system and is rarely seen in adulthood. When present in adults, it is usually asymptomatic and would be incidentally detected through imaging studies. Infrequently, some patients would present with abdominal pain, distension, nausea, and may have palpable abdominal mass. It may be solitary or may have multiple splenic lesions. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present of a case of splenic mass in a 56-year old female, which remained undetected until incidentally discovered on work-up for chronic back pain. Laparoscopic splenectomy was eventually performed with eventual resolution of the chronic back pain. Histopathologic examination revealed splenic lymphangioma. DISCUSSION: Splenic tumors are uncommon. Splenic lymphangiomas presenting in adulthood are extremely rare, and preoperative diagnosis may be difficult in asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of splenic lymphangiomas may be necessary to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and confirm diagnosis.