New-onset axillary lymphangioma: a case report

Background Lymphangioma is a rare diagnosis in adult patients and typically presents in early infancy. These tumors are a result of malformation of the lymphatic vessels and usually involve the head, neck, and axilla. Case presentation We report the case of a 28-year-old African female who recently immigrated from East Africa and presented to our surgical breast clinic with a large and rapidly growing left axillary mass. Initial history and evaluation were concerning for hydatid cyst; however, on surgical excision, gross appearance was consistent with cystic lymphangioma. Diagnosis was confirmed on pathology review. Conclusions Although lymphangiomas are typically found in young children, adults may develop these tumors in response to unknown triggers. Surgical excision is the preferred treatment.