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[Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in childhood]
J Fernández Pérez1, J M Morán Penco, J J Pimentel
1Departamento de Cirugía General, Hospital Infanta Cristina, Badajoz.
Insights
Retroperitoneal lymphangiomas, rare in infants, can cause chronic pain. Surgical removal is recommended for diagnosis and to prevent complications from these benign neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Lymphangiomas are common pediatric neoplasms, but retroperitoneal locations are rare.
- Retroperitoneal masses can present with varied symptoms, from asymptomatic findings to severe complications.
Observation:
- A case of a male patient with a history of chronic recurrent pain was investigated.
- Initial X-ray revealed calcic density in the left upper quadrant; histological analysis confirmed a mixoid cystic lymphangioma.
Findings:
- Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound and CT scans, is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- While X-rays may show calcifications, advanced imaging provides definitive characterization.
Implications:
- Complete surgical excision is the primary treatment for retroperitoneal lymphangiomas.
- Alternative treatments like laser, fibrin, and sclerotherapy may be considered.
- Benign lymphangiomas require removal for definitive diagnosis and to mitigate potential complications.
Unlabelled:
Lymphangiomas are very common neoplasms in infancy. However, a retroperitoneal location is seldom observed. We present the case of a male with a history of chronic recurrent pain over a period of several years. An X-ray showed a calcic density in the left upper abdominal quadrant; the histological study revealed it to be a mixoid cystic lymphangioma. Clinical presentation varies greatly from an asymptomatic mass to serious complications. In order to correctly diagnose of these neoplasms it is essential to carry on ultra sound and CT examination although a simple abdominal X-ray may show calcifications as the one presented here. Treatment is always surgical and a complete extirpation should be performed, unless vital structures were are involved. Treatment with laser, fibrin and sclerotherapy have also been used.
Conclusion:
In spite of being benign neoplasms we believe they should be removed to confirm diagnosis and avoid possible complications.
