When Benign Tumors Mimic Malignancies: A Case of Lymphangiomatosis Masquerading as Metastatic Disease.

Abstract

Lymphangiomatosis, a rare disorder of the lymphatic system characterized by the abnormal proliferation of lymphatic vessels, is a typically benign disorder that at times can exhibit invasive or malignant behavior. While generally considered a diagnosis of childhood, in adults the majority of cases are asymptomatic and found incidentally. Rarely, lymphatic overgrowth can occur, causing growth of lesions on imaging mimicking a metastatic process and occasionally, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. Here, we present such a case of lymphangiomatosis with multi-organ system involvement in liver, bone, and spleen. In addition to details of the clinical presentation and the pathologic review which led to the diagnosis, we describe our use of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib, which may cause stabilization of lymphangiomatosis through blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, for systemic treatment in this unusual case.