Diagnostic Pitfalls: Soft Tissue Lymphoma: Superficial Soft Tissue Lymphoma Mimicking a Venous Malformation

Abstract

In this case report, 3 patients addressed to our vascular anomalies reference center to manage a slow-flow vascular anomaly were reported. Our objective is to highlight that a discrepancy between clinical and radiological data should suggest a differential diagnosis and a percutaneous biopsy be considered. In our 3 patients, the biopsy provided a diagnosis of soft tissue lymphoma. Some red flags should not be overlooked to avoid missing this diagnosis, patient's past medical history of lymphoma and clinical palpation of a nondepressible hard lesion. On magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion shape and contours particularly the presence of spicules appear to be interesting features to consider lymphoma (this sign is absent in common venous malformation). Therefore, the triad past medical history and clinical and imaging data (ultrasound and MRI) are mandatory for an accurate diagnosis of vascular malformations.