Mesenteric Cyst Versus Lymphangioma: A Clinical Conundrum

Pathological Discrepancy: Simple Mesenteric Cyst vs. Mesenteric Lymphangioma

Introduction

Both mesenteric cysts and cystic lymphangiomas are scarce and clinically and radiologically almost identical derivatives, but their histological structure is fundamentally different. Case Presentation. A 52-year-old woman was consulted by a surgeon for a derivative felt in her abdomen. The patient said she felt a growing derivative in the abdomen about a month ago. After consulting and testing, a sigmoid colon mesenteric cyst (13 cm × 11 cm × 10 cm) was found. Complete excision of the cyst within healthy tissues was performed through laparotomy. The surgery had no complications. The initial pathological answer was a simple mesothelial cyst (a rare histological finding). However, immunohistochemical tests were performed that showed that diagnosis was mesenteric cystic lymphangioma (ML). Cystic lymphangiomas that have a link to the mesentery have been described less than 200 times.

Conclusions

Final differential diagnosis between different cystic derivatives is possible only based on histopathological examinations. Mesenteric lymphangioma is most common at a very young age, but in rare cases, it also occurs in adults. All clinicians should increase their awareness of the disease.

Complete resection of a massive mesenteric lymphangioma in an adult

Mesenteric lymphangioma is a benign cystic tumour of the lymphatic vessels that occurs rarely in adults. Due to the infrequency of cases and the insidious presentation, these tumours can be diagnosed late and become massive. Resection of mesenteric lymphangioma in its entirety is the recommended management in order to prevent recurrence. This case report describes the finding of a massive mesenteric lymphangioma (dimensions 420×470×100 mm) in a young man, the investigations leading to diagnosis, and the subsequent surgical management. The substantial size of this tumour produced considerable challenges for the surgical team, including involvement of adjacent small bowel and mesenteric vasculature. Preoperative diagnosis and assessment of the anatomy was pivotal in achieving a complete resection and a good patient outcome.