Cavernous Lymphangioma in Small Bowel: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Case Presentation:

  • Patient: 32-year-old individual.
  • Symptoms: Melena and a drop in hemoglobin to 9 gr/dl.
  • Findings: 3 cm yellowish, polypoid lesion in the proximal jejunum identified via double balloon enteroscopy.
  • Procedure: India Ink tattoo mark placed for future surgical identification.

About Cavernous Lymphangiomas:

  • What are they? Rare benign tumors.
  • Location: Typically intra-abdominal, near the mesentery or within the small bowel.

Symptoms & Complications:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (significant or obscure).
  • Anemia.
  • Abdominal discomfort.
  • Small bowel obstruction.

Endoscopic Recognition:

  • Importance: Can resemble neuroendocrine tumors.
  • Recommendation: Endoscopists should be vigilant.

Treatment Options:

  • Best Approach: Complete resection to prevent recurrence.
  • Alternative Therapies: Argon plasma coagulation, sclerosant injections, and endoscopic resection (best for smaller lesions or when surgery isn't feasible).

Conclusion: Cavernous lymphangiomas, though rare, present potential complications. Medical professionals should be well-informed about them and the available treatment options.

 

Read more: https://www.thepracticingendoscopist.com/p/mid-gi-bleeding-of-obscure-cause

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