Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas mimicking pancreatic pseudocyst

J Korean Surg Soc. 2011 Jun;80 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S55-8. doi: 10.4174/jkss.2011.80.Suppl1.S55. Epub 2011 Jun 17.

Abstract

Lymphangiomas are rare congenital benign tumors arising from the lymphatic system, and are mostly encountered in the neck and axillary regions of pediatric patients (95%). Lymphangioma of the pancreas is extremely rare accounting for less than 1% of these tumors. We report here on a case of pancreatic cystic lymphangioma. A 54-year-old woman presented with intermittent postprandial abdominal discomfort and radiating back pain. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed 8 × 6.5 cm hypodense cystic mass arising from the tail of the pancreas without septa or solid component. The initial impression was a pancreatic pseudocyst. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical study helped make the diagnosis of a pancreatic cystic lymphangioma. Herein, we report a case of pancreatic cystic lymphangioma mimicking pancreatic pseudocyst and review the relevant medical literature.

Keywords: Cystic lymphangioma; Pancreas; Pseudocyst; Surgical excision.

Publication types

  • Case Reports