Mediastinum
Cystic lesions
Lymphangioma
Author: Hanni Gulwani, M.B.B.S.
Last author update: 1 December 2012
Last staff update: 15 August 2022
Copyright: 2003-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Lymphangioma mediastinum
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Epidemiology | Radiology description | Case reports | Gross description | Microscopic (histologic) descriptionCite this page: Gulwani H. Lymphangioma. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/mediastinumlymphangioma.html. Accessed March 22nd, 2023.
Definition / general
- Also called cystic hygroma
- Benign proliferation of lymphatic channels
- Common; in anterior, middle or posterior mediastinum or soft tissue of neck
- Large lesions may compress lungs, heart, nerves but most lesions are asymptomatic and found on Xray
Epidemiology
- Usually in children, often with cervical component, rarely in adults (Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;7:103)
Radiology description
- Xray: variegated appearance, appears to infiltrate mediastinal soft tissue
Case reports
- 52 year old woman with mediastinal cystic lymphangioma (Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2004;52:567)
Gross description
- Gray-white masses, edematous appearing, variable sized cystic cavities, serous type fluid, smooth inner lining
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Large, irregular vascular spaces lined by flattened, bland epithelial cells with fibroblastic or collagenous stroma
- Variable lymphocytic infiltrates; no specialized epithelium, no cholesterol granulomas
