Cystic lymphangioma of the inguinal and scrotal regions in childhood - report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: [corrected] Cystic lymphangiomas are congenital lymphatic malformations that most commonly develop in the neck, axilla, mediastinum and retroperitoneum. Inguinal and scrotal lymphangiomas are extremely rare. CASES REPORT: We present the cases of three children with cystic lymphangiomas that were treated in our department during a two year period. The patients were all boys, aged 3.5, 9 and 13 years, and the location of the cystic lymphangioma was the scrotum, the inguinal region and the epididymis respectively. Clinical examination and ultrasonography described the lesions as cystic. Surgical excision of the lesions with a testis-sparing approach was performed in all three cases and histopathology set the diagnosis of cystic lymphangiomas. Complementary imaging of the regions adjacent to the excised lesions, excluded any extension or co-existing lesions. Post-operative period was uneventful and during a follow-up period of six months all patients were well with no signs of recurrence.
CONCLUSIONS: Scrotal and inguinal cystic lymphangiomas are treated with surgical excision with care to preserve the intra-scrotal structures and the structures of the inguinal canal. Complete excision is necessary to prevent recurrence. Complementary imaging of the adjacent regions is necessary to identify any possible extension or co-existing lesions.