Cystic lymphangioma of the mesocolon

Abstract

A 46-year-old gentleman presented to our hospital with a short story of abdominal pain and distension. On examination, gross ascites was noted and confirmed on subsequent imaging with no other notable features. CT scan after ascitic drainage showed a cystic mass extending from the lower pole of the spleen to the left iliac fossa in keeping with an intraperitoneal cyst. At laparatomy, a cystic lymphangioma was resected. Lymphangiomas are rare benign tumours and are reported to occur preferentially in the neck of axilla in children. Abdominal lymphangiomas are extremely rare particularly in adults but important to recognise due to a potential for serious consequences.