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[The cavernous lymphangioma of the external genitalia]
J A Sotelino1, E de Dios Montoto, K Weichert-Jacobsen
1Servicio de Urología, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Alemania Federal.
Insights
Benign lymphangiomas are rare causes of scrotal and penile tumors in children. This case report details the successful surgical removal of a cavernous lymphangioma in a 10-year-old boy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Vascular Malformations
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lymphangiomas are benign congenital tumors of lymphatic vessels.
- They can present as fluctuating masses in various body locations.
- Scrotal and penile involvement is exceptionally rare, particularly in children.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with a 4x2 cm fluctuating, bluish, indolent tumor at the base of the scrotum and penis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the full extent of the sonographically hypoechoic lesion.
- Surgical excision was performed without complications.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous lymphangioma.
- This represents the second reported case of a cavernous lymphangioma in this anatomical region.
- No recurrence was observed during a 6-month follow-up period.
Implications:
- Complete surgical excision is the recommended treatment for lymphangiomas.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric genitourinary presentations.
Purpose:
Fluctuating tumours of the scrotal and penile basis can be caused by benign lymphangiomas. These rare malformations can preferently be seen in children.
Case Report:
We report about a 10 year old boy, who was presented in our department with a bluish, indolent, 4x2 cm sized, fluctuating tumor of the scrotum and penile basis. Magnetic resonance imaging could demonstrate the whole anatomic extension of the sonographically hypoechoic lesion. Operative removal of the tumour was performed without complication. Histologically, the specimen was diagnosed as cavernous lymphangioma. To date, there is no sign of recurrence (follow-up period: 6 months).
Conclusion:
A cavernous lymphangioma of the scrotum or penis is very uncommon. We report, to the best of our knowledge, the 2nd case reported in literature. Even lymphangiomas with other histological features rarely affect this region. Lymphangiomas are benign tumours of lymphatic vessels. The surrounding tissue sometimes shows a perifocal inflammation and scarification. About 50% of the cases are considered congenital. 9/10 lymphangiomas become obvious during the first 2 postnatal years. Therapy of choice is the complete excision.
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