Rare case cystic scrotal lymphangioma presented as a hydrocele

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Cystic scrotal lymphangiomas are very uncommon lesions caused by congenital lymphatic malformation. These tumors are usually located in the neck and axilla, occasionally in the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, and thigh. The scrotum and perineum are the least frequented sites. They present as painless scrotal swelling and are easily misdiagnosed as hydrocele. We present here a case of cystic scrotal lymphangioma in a school-aged child who presented to us with a massive scrotal swelling.

Case presentation: We present here a case of a 6-year-old child who presented with scrotal swelling, which was sonographically identified as chronic hydrocele. The right testis could be felt separately from the mass, and the left scrotum was normal. Scrotal ultrasound reveals multiple cystic lesions with septa in the right hemiscrotum extending to the proximal inguinal canal. Median raphe incision and excision of the lobulated mass Cyst testicular lymphangioma was confirmed histopathologically.

Clinical discussion: Cystic lymphangiomas are benign congenital tumors with no identifiable cause. The majority of lymphangiomas (90%) appear during the first two years of life, and half of them are present at birth. Lymphangiomas are categorized into three types: capillary, cavernous lymphangiomas, and cystic hygromas. A scrotal lymphangioma is frequently misdiagnosed as a hydrocele, inguinal hernia, hematocele, varicocele, or even testis torsion. In our case, the diagnosis was made by ultrasonography with Doppler and confirmed by a biopsy of an excised mass lesion. The scrotum is a very uncommon site for cystic lymphangioma.

Conclusion: A cystic or septate cystic mass discovered intra-operatively should not be dismissed as a complex hydrocele, since cystic lymphangiomas predictably recur if incompletely resected. A proper diagnosis of the scrotal lymphangioma and its extent using the US is essential for planning an appropriate surgical approach.

Keywords: Hydrocele; Lymphatic malformation; Scrotal lymphangioma; Scrotum.