[Unusual diagnosis of an intrathoracic tumor, cavernosum lymphangioma. Case report].

BACKGROUND

Thoracic lymphangioma is a rare benign disease representing only 0.7-4.5% of all mediastinal tumors. Its etiology is currently unknown. Most are asymptomatic at first, and the condition is common in the pediatric age. We present a case to document this rare disease and describe the literature.

METHODS

We present the case of a 5-year-old female without clinically significant medical history. The patient attended a routine physician visit where a heart murmur was discovered. A diagnostic protocol was initiated, finding a mass on chest x-rays, apparently with an intrathoracic localization. Chest computed tomography confirms a tumor of 13 × 11 cm localized in the anterior mediastinum. Laboratory studies were within normal parameters. Complete surgical resection was decided upon and histopathological diagnosis of cavernosum lymphangioma is confirmed. The patient experienced an adequate evolution without evidence of relapse at this timeConclusion: Characteristics of the case shown are consistent with those reported in the literature. Diagnostic management as well as the surgical plan was successful without presenting morbidity so far.