Giant sixteen kilogram lymphangioma mesenteric cyst: An unusual presentation of a rare benign tumour

Background: Mesenteric cysts are rare abdominal benign tumours with an incidence of 1:100.000-250.000 surgical admissions located in the mesentery. Theirs presentations may range from incidental asymptomatic discovery during imaging to non-specific abdominal symptoms.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 46 year old female who presented with 9 months history of progressive abdominal distension. CT scan showed a giant abdominal mass. After the necessary preoperative work up, a midline incision laparotomy was performed. Intraoperative findings were a mesenteric cyst originates from the transverse mesocolon. The cyst weighed 16 kg and histopathology analyses confirmed a lymphangioma mesenteric cyst.

Discussion: In low incomes countries like our own, the interval between the onset of symptoms and consultation is often significant, leading to unusual and sometimes spectacular presentations at the time of diagnosis. To our knowledge, it is the heaviest mesenteric cyst reported in the literature to date.

Conclusion: Mesenteric cysts may present as giant abdominal masses. The publication of this atypical case is a plea for us for the establishment of universal health coverage in our country in particular and in Africa in general.