Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreatic head treated by enucleation: Case report and literature review

Abstract

IntroductionThe widespread use of imaging methods has led to an increased identification of asymptomatic Pancreatic Cystic Lymphangiomas (PCL), a rare entity for which available information is very limited.Presentation of caseWe present the case of an asymptomatic 61-year-old male, submitted to elective enucleation of a pancreatic head PCL at our institution. After four years of follow-up the patient is doing well and has no clinical or imaging signs of recurrence.DiscussionThough rare, PCL should be included in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. All efforts should be made to ascertain a preoperative diagnosis, as expectant follow-up could be a reasonable approach in asymptomatic patients and/or poor surgical candidates. In the face of an uncertain diagnosis, complete surgical excision may be the treatment of choice.ConclusionThe medical community worldwide should be encouraged to report all cases of PCL, as to increment the overall knowledge about this lesion.