A giant retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma: a rare entity to know. A Case report 

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DOI: 10.48087/BJMS.2026.130204

Authors: Louiza IAICHE ACHOUR1,Lydia BOUKARMA2, Sihem MAMMERI3, Zakaria SEOUDI1, Razika IBAGHRACHE1, Abdelkrim ANOU1

Affiliations: 1- Department of General, Oncologic & Emergency Surgery .Douera University Hospital, Faculty of medecine Blida 1University, Algeria. 2- Department of General Surgery.Ksar El Boukhari, Medea. Algeria. 3- Department of cytology & embryology , M’hamed  Yazid hospital .Faculty of medecine Blida 1University, Algeria.

Keywords: cystic mass, lymphatic malformation, retroperitoneal lymphangioma, surgical resection.

Abstract

Retroperitoneal lymphangiomas are rare benign cystic tumors of the lymphatic system, accounting for 1% of all lymphangiomas. To date, fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. Approximately 95% of lymphangiomas occur in the head, neck, and axilla, where they are most frequently encountered. Cystic lymphangiomas present with polymorphic clinical manifestations. While imaging plays a key role in diagnosis, it cannot reliably differentiate retroperitoneal lymphangiomas from other retroperitoneal cystic masses, and histological confirmation is therefore required. Complete surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. We present the case of a 45-year-old male with a symptomatic retroperitoneal cystic mass who presented with abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. The patient was successfully treated with complete surgical excision. The final diagnosis was confirmed on pathological examination, and no recurrence or complications were noted during follow-up.