Cystic lymphangioma of the upper limb: Clinical case and literature review

Abstract

We report an observation of a macro- and micro-cystic lymphatic malformation located in the right upper limb. This was a 5-year-old girl with no previous pathological history, followed since the age of 11 months for a congenital subcutaneous, painless and soft swelling of the right upper limb. Ultrasound of the soft tissue and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed the diagnosis of macro- and micro-cystic lymphatic malformation of the right upper limb. There is little epidemiological data on cystic lymphatic malformations (CLM). Superficial MLKs are more numerous than deep MLKs; of the superficial MLKs, nearly 75% are located in the head and neck, with an estimated incidence of 1.2 to 2.8 per 1000 births, and in the axillary hollows in 20% of cases. They affect equally males and females and different ethnic backgrounds. Involvement of the upper limb and particularly the arm is very rare. MRI plays an important role in the diagnosis and assessment of the tumor’s boundaries. Treatment can be difficult because of the location of the tumor and its extension into the surrounding tissue.

Splenic Lymphangioma Mimicking Lymphomatous Involvement: A Case Report with Review of the Literature

“…Calcification is a nonspecific finding and may also be observed in splenic hydatid cysts. Like in our case, computed tomography (CT) scan reveals single or multiple well-defined thin-walled lesions that are usually hypodense, homogenous, and without significant contrast enhancement [ 2 , 12 , 14 ]. The lesions are often well-vascularized in angiography.…”

Cystic Lymphangioma Over the Lower Limb: A Case Report With a Literature Review

“…Most examinations in females showed soft, non-tender lumps with a doughy consistency upon palpation. Typically, aspiration is used to identify the cystic lesion, primarily revealing straw-colored fluid [6][7][8][9][10].…”

“…The management techniques mentioned in the literature include aspiration, sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, electrocautery, radiation, laser, ligation, and excision. Nonetheless, care be tailored to the specific lesion's size, anatomic location, and consequences [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

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

“…Cystic lymphangiomas are rare, hemodynamically inactive, benign, and mature lymphatic malformations consisting of abnormal lymphatic vessels and cysts of various sizes and shapes [1][2][3]. They occur in children, with more than 90% of cases seen in patients under two years of age while only 7% occur in adults [4,5].…”

“…Macrocystic lesions are cystic spaces with a volume of more than 2 cm³, microcystic lesions are composed of elements less than 2 cm³, and mixed lesions contain both types of cysts [1,7]. Some authors prefer to classify them as capillary lymphangiomas, cavernous lymphangiomas, and cystic hygromas [1,3,8]. They are located at the neck in 75% of cases and in the axillary region in 20% of cases.…”