CONGENITAL LYMPHANGIOMA OF THE FOOT MIMICKING MULTIPLE VIRAL WARTS: DERMATOSURGICAL APPROACH WITH SECONDARY WOUND...

The problems with lymphangiomas in general stem from the fact that on the one hand they most often show an atypical clinical picture, and on the other hand their localization does not always allow the desired complete surgical removal. Lymphangiomas are rare and benign tumors of the lymphatic vessels. In the higher percentage of cases, they are defined as congenital malformations. The acquired type can manifest due to a variety of external factors, resulting in a benign distinct lesion, which can often be mistaken for another benign or malignant one. Although benign and even surgically treated , the recurrence rate is high. The pathogenesis of these tumours is unclear and is presumed to be due to an error in the fetal/embryonal development. Nosologically, these lesions belong to the group of so-called low flow lesions. Within the framework of their differentiation, it is important to distinguish them from hemangiomas and venous malformations, as although overlapping to some extent, at times- therapeutic options differ. This differentiation is most adequately accomplished by the application of MRI and Doppler, necessarily accompanied by histopathologic verification of the lesion. Spontaneous regression, although rare, occurs in up to 6% of cases. Surgical removal remains the safest method of treatment to date, and according to the literature this is possible in only 18 to 50% of cases. Often, however, the atypical clinical presentation of some of the lesions could be confusing for clinicians and could be the reason for prolonged and unsuccessful conservative or semi-invasive therapy. We present a 23-year-old patient with a history of complaints of more than 15 years in the form of itching, burning, and discomfort in the left foot area. The finding was treated under the diagnosis of viral warts with variable results and subsequent achievement of short-term remissions for no more than 5 -6 months. Due to an increase in pain symptomatology and an increase in the size of the lesion after the last cryotherapy, a skin biopsy was taken to confirm the diagnosis of lymphangioma. During hospitalization, the patient underwent MRI/Doppler of the vessels to determine the depth of infiltration and the presence/exclusion of communication to larger vascular formations for preoperative planning. Surgery was performed with secondary wound healing resulting in a favourable outcome.