A rare incidence of retroperitoneal Cystic Lymphangioma in a 45-year-old female - A Case Report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Cystic lymphangioma is an extremely rare benign vascular neoplasm of mesodermal origin, arising from lymphatic vessels and occurring principally in male children. The retroperitoneum is the rarest site, accounting for <1 % of all types of lymphangioma. The incidence of cystic lymphangioma is unknown due to the scarcity of published data. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old female presented to our hospital complaining of vague abdominal pain and intermittent episodes of vomiting over four months. Preoperative imaging via ultrasound and Computed Tomography revealed a well-demarcated retroperitoneal cystic mass between the right kidney and the liver. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The mass was excised laparoscopically. Histopathological examination confirmed a cystic hygroma (a subtype of cystic lymphangioma). CONCLUSION: Cystic lymphangioma is rare, often misdiagnosed and may present with vague symptoms. Complete resection may be feasible and can be curative.