Surgical treatment of giant cystic lymphangioma in chest wall and axilla in adults / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of surgical resection of giant adult-onset cystic lymphangioma in the axilla and chest wall. Methods: Various clinical parameters were analyzed in three patients with axilla and chest wall giant cystic lymphangioma in past eight years in our department. They all accepted CT scan or MRI to assess lesions anatomic relations pre-operation. We resected their polycystic ingredients with S-shaped spindle incision, ligated the stump of lymphatic vessels, removed excess skin and reconstructed armpit. Results: All patients had nice shape, no deformity, no obvious scar formation and no recurrence post-operation. The follow-up period is 8, 4, 2 year respectively. Conclusion: The causes of adult-onset cystic lymphangiomas in the axilla and chest wall are still not clear, partially related to the pregnancy. Surgical resection using the S-shaped spindle incision could help to hide the incision, protect the axillary vessels and brachial plexus, resect tumor completely. Ligating the proximal end of lymph duct on the subclavian and the top of axilla can reduce the recurrence. MR is a good diagnostic method to observe its border.