Cystic lymphangioma in adults: can trauma be the trigger?

Abstract

Cystic lymphangioma is a rare congenital anomaly of the lymphatic system. Most lesions present in infancy or early childhood with a swelling in the head and neck region. We report the case of a lady who presented with a cystic swelling in the suprascapular region that appeared after a fall on outstretched hands. Repeated aspiration and depomedrone injection failed to prevent recurrence. Surgical excision achieved complete removal, and histology showed the lesion as cystic lymphangioma, a rare condition to appear on the shoulder in an adult after trauma.