[Intraabdominal cystic lymphangioma in childhood. Report of 2 cases]

Intraabdominal cystic lymphangiomas are rare tumor-like lesions, predominantly found in the pediatric age group, but also in juveniles or young adults. Lymphangiomas are always benign and do not recur after complete excision. In this paper we report on two 4-year old children with a history of abdominal discomfort due to large cystic lymphangiomas, the diagnostic procedure and the definite surgical therapy by complete excision. While the histogenesis of cystic lymphangiomas is generally discussed controversely, in one of our cases there is some evidence that the lesion developed in fetal lifetime in combination with a scar of the intestinal wall of the ileum.