Lymphangioma and lymphangiectasia of the breast mimicking inflammatory breast cancer

A Rare Case of Subclavicular Cystic Lymphangioma in Adults Adhering to Axillary Vessels

Cystic lymphangiomas are rare and benign lymphatic malformations. They often sit in the cervico-facial or axillary region. We report the case of a 31-year-old patient admitted for a left subclavicular mass symptomatic of pain on arm abduction. The CT scan of the chest suggests a cystic lymphangioma adhering to the axillary vascular pedicle. The patient had a complete resection of this mass with a simple postoperative course.

Acquired cystic lymphangioma imitating breast cancer recurrence

Cystic lymphangioma is a benign, congenital lymphatic malformation mainly encountered in infants during the first 2 years of life. It is rarely found in adults. Cystic lymphangioma of the breast is an extremely uncommon entity, and only a few cases have been described in the literature. We present the case of a 52-year-old female who had a mastectomy and chemoradiotherapy for breast cancer 8 years ago and in whom we discovered a suspicious mass of the treated breast through an annual imaging check-up. A cancer recurrence was suspected, and the patient underwent surgical resection. Pathology results were consistent with a cystic lymphangioma.

Concomitant breast and axillary lymphangioma in an adult: A case report and a review of the literature

RATIONALE

Lymphangiomas develop in the head, neck, and axilla of patients <2 years old in more than 90% of cases. They are rarely reported in adults.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here, we report on a 37-year-old woman with a firm, hypoechoic 3.3 cm mass in the right upper, outer quadrant of the breast with discomfort, and swelling of the right axillary region.

DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS

She underwent wide excision of the right breast and axillary lesion and the lesion pathologic finding is lymphangioma of the breast.

OUTCOMES

She was in good condition with no signs of postoperative complications and no evidence of recurrence at 6 months postsurgery.

LESSONS

Despite the rarity of breast cystic lymphangioma, its evaluation should be considered for prompt diagnosis and definitive treatment to prevent recurrence and complications. Furthermore, this is the first case of concomitant lymphangioma of the breast parenchyma and axillary region.

Adult cystic lymphangioma in the inner quadrant of the breast-Rare location for a rare disease: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Adult cystic lymphangioma of the breast is extremely rare, especially in the breast's upper, inner quadrant. Review of literature is discussed, including etiology, differential diagnosis, workup, and treatment of the disease.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 20-year-old female presented with a recurrent left breast cyst. Previous aspirations showed no malignancy. Ultrasonography showed a lobulated anechoic lesion with internal debris and thin septations. The patient then underwent a lumpectomy of the left breast cyst, and pathology showed lymphangioma.

DISCUSSION

Cystic lymphangiomas of the breast are benign lymphatic malformations. Consistent with the main drainage pattern of the breast, cystic lymphangiomas are typically located in the upper, outer quadrant, tail of Spence, and subareolar area. Radiologic evaluation may include ultrasound, mammogram, and MRI. FNA cytology and core biopsy assist in the diagnosis of breast lymphangioma. Although different treatment options exist, complete surgical excision remains the most effective treatment modality for adult cystic lymphangioma of the breast.

CONCLUSION

Breast cystic lymphangioma is an extremely rare condition, especially in the upper, inner quadrant of the breast. The patient had multiple recurrences of the lesion after fine needle aspirations. Proper index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and definitive treatment is necessary to prevent recurrence and complications.