ABDOMINAL LYMPHANGIOMA IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN

Background Abdominal lymphangioma is a rare tumour usually classified with mesenteric and retroperitoneal cysts. This experience of abdomina l lymphangiomas contrasts the differences between tumours in children and adults. Methods Between 1970 and 1996, six patients had surgical r esection of an abdominal lymphangioma. Results There were three childr en aged 4 years or less and three adults aged 36-76 years. Two childre n presented with an acute abdomen and one with a rapidly enlarging abd ominal girth. Lymphangiomas were located in the mesentery and gastroin testinal tract. In adults, symptoms lasted from months to years and ly mphangiomas were found in the pancreas, spleen and retroperitoneum. Co nclusion In this series, abdominal lymphangioma presented more acutely in children and usually involved the mesentery, whereas in adults the history was longer and the tumour was found in the retroperitoneum.