New-onset axillary lymphangioma: a case report

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioma is a rare diagnosis in adult patients and typically presents in early infancy. These tumors are a result of malformation of the lymphatic vessels and usually involve the head, neck, and axilla. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 28-year-old African female who recently immigrated from East Africa and presented to our surgical breast clinic with a large and rapidly growing left axillary mass. Initial history and evaluation were concerning for hydatid cyst; however, on surgical excision, gross appearance was consistent with cystic lymphangioma. Diagnosis was confirmed on pathology review. CONCLUSIONS: Although lymphangiomas are typically found in young children, adults may develop these tumors in response to unknown triggers. Surgical excision is the preferred treatment.