Benign lymphangiomatous papules of the skin associated with ovarian fibroma

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Feb;56(2 Suppl):S41-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.05.056. Epub 2006 Sep 14.

Abstract

Benign lymphangiomatous papules of the skin are considered reactive lymphatic proliferations either caused by disruption of the lymphatic flow or tissue damage produced by operation or radiation therapy. We report a 72-year-old woman with umbilical papules and vesicle-like lesions that led to the diagnosis of a large ovarian fibroma. Histologic study revealed dilated lymphatic spaces manifesting an anastomosing and branched pattern in the papillary and reticular dermis dissecting collagen bundles. The vessels were lined by plump endothelial cells with foci of intravascular papillary endothelial cell hyperplasia. After the ovarian fibroma was removed by laparotomy, umbilical lesions almost disappeared, leaving small flesh-colored papules. A periumbilical dermatosis may herald certain intra-abdominal diseases including those of neoplastic derivation. A heightened awareness of this association may lead to an early diagnosis with a potential for improved patient outcome. Benign lymphangiomatous papules have not been previously described in association with an untreated tumor, without previous operation or radiotherapy. This case advocates for disruption of the lymphatic drainage as the probable pathogenetic mechanism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fibroma / diagnosis*
  • Fibroma / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibroma / pathology
  • Fibroma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphangioma / metabolism
  • Lymphangioma / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiography, Abdominal*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*