Mediastinal cystic hygroma in children

A 14-month-old child presented with severe respiratory distress from an anterior mediastinal mass. Since its gross appearance suggested malignancy, radical surgical excision was performed. In retrospect, secondary hemorrhage, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation were responsible for the atypical appearance of a benign cystic hygroma. Etiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis and recommended treatment of this relatively rare mediastinal lesion are discussed.