Adult Mediastinal Cystic Hygroma: A Case Report

Abstract

Cystic hygroma is an uncommon congenital malformation of the lymphatic system that is composed of dilated and fluid-filled lymphatic vessels. It is thought to occur due to a blockage in the lymphatic system during the developmental stage. Most are located in the neck, although they can also present in the axilla and mediastinum. Isolated mediastinal cystic hygroma is a very rare pathology in adults, with complete surgical excision being the treatment of choice. The lesion and the surrounding tissue must be fully resected due to the high recurrence rates associated with incomplete resections. In cases where a total excision is impossible, radiotherapy, aspiration, sclerosing injections, systemic chemotherapy and interferon-α are the other treatment options. Here, we report on a case with an incidentally detected mediastinal cystic hygroma, presenting the results of a four-year follow up after a complete resection.