Giant cystic lymphangioma of right mesocolon: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Cystic lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors of the lymph vessels and are usually found in children. However, abdominal cystic lymphangioma in mesocolon is extremely rare in adult patients. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We reported a 15-year-old female with giant cystic lymphangioma of the right mesocolon. On examination, only abdominal pain was confirmed. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a large multiseptated cystic mass. The patient underwent a total right mesocolic excision with the lesion. The patient recovered well on postoperative follow-up and was discharged on the fifth day. No evidence of recurrence had also been found in three months follow-up period. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of intra-abdominal cystic lymphoma is often dismissed because the clinical symptoms are nonspecific. It is easy confusion because the ultrasound and CT scan images are relatively similar to the mesenteric and omental cysts. Sclerosing therapies may cause long-term consequences such as local recurrences with a very high proportion. Complete resection, including resection of the involved organs, is necessary. With tumors surrounding the colon, surgeons should consider performing removal block colon-lesion. CONCLUSION: Complete tumor removal is the optimal choice for the management of intra-abdominal cystic lymphangioma. However, incomplete resection may lead to local recurrence.