Spontaneous lymphocoele: an unusual cause of an axillary mass

A lymphocoele or cystic hygroma is a benign lymphatic malformation that usually presents as a congenital mass in infancy. These masses are most common in the cervicofacial region and more rarely occur elsewhere in the body. Spontaneous, atraumatic presentation in adulthood is extremely rare. We present a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with a fluctuant mass in the axilla, which was diagnosed as a lymphocoele. Initial management by ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cyst proved unsuccessful due to recurrence. Surgical excision of the cyst was then successfully performed and histological analysis proved the diagnosis. The incidence of adult-onset lymphocoele without a history of prior trauma or operation is rare. This case report adds to the literature and reviews the various management strategies that have been successfully employed.