[Cystic lymphangioma of the mediastinum. Seven cases]

Cystic lymphangioma of the mediastinum is an uncommon vascular tumor frequently discovered incidentally on chest x-ray exams. Radiology (CT and MRI) may suggest the diagnosis and allow an assessment of the operatives difficulties, but histology of the surgical specimen is required for precise diagnosis. Complete resection is the only treatment; in some patients resection was incomplete because of the infiltrating character of these tumors, leading to recurrence. We report seven cases of mediastinal localization with a review of literature.