Neoplastic Lesions of the Mesentery - A Case Series of Rare Pathologies

Sep 23, 2026

Mesenteric neoplasms are rare and are often not initially considered in diagnosis. They include primary and secondary malignant tumors as well as non-neoplastic conditions that can imitate tumor growth. Diagnostic assessment is challenging, yet specific clinical and radiologic characteristics may support early recognition. This case series presents histopathologically confirmed mesenteric neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions, emphasizing representative imaging findings and tomographic features alongside a focused literature review.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Case Presentation

Case 1

Case 2

How to cite this article

Table 1: Laboratory results

Review began 02/12/2026 Review ended 02/16/2026 Published 02/18/2026 © Copyright 2026 Mejia et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0. , which permits unrestricted use , distribution , and reproduction in any medium , provided the original author and source are credited. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103834 Open Access Case Report Neoplastic Lesions of the Mesentery: A Case Series of Rare Pathologies Marcia Mejia 1, Mateo Zapata 1 , Sebastian Acevedo Ramirez 2, Juan Muñoz 3 1. Radiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, COL 2. General Medicine, Clínica el Rosario, Medellín, COL 3. Radiology, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, COL Corresponding author: Marcia Mejia, [marciameve1@gmail.com](marciameve1@gmail.com) Abstract Mesenteric neoplasms are rare and frequently unconsidered in diagnosis. They include primary and secondary neoplasms, as well as some non-neoplastic conditions that mimic tumors. Diagnosis is often challenging, though certain clinical and radiologic features can aid early identification. Here, we present a series of histopathologically confirmed mesenteric neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions, highlighting representative imaging features and reviewing relevant literature, with emphasis on tomographic findings. Categories: Radiology, Oncology Keywords: diagnostic imaging, mesentery, neoplasm metastasis, neoplasms, tomography Introduction The mesentery is made up of a double layer of peritoneum and is subdivided into the true mesentery and the specialized mesentery. It contains multiple structures inside and its function is to connect the small intestine to the posterior wall of the abdomen, as well as connecting multiple organs to each other [1] . Mesenteric neoplasms are rare lesions and are mostly secondary in nature, mainly because their close relationship with vascular, lymphatic, and nervous structures and multiple intra-abdominal organs makes them an important route for tumor dissemination [2] . Secondary neoplastic involvement of the mesentery occurs through different routes that can occur simultaneously and include: direct, lymphatic, hematogenous, and peritoneal spread, giving rise to different neoplasms that may have a similar appearance and originate in intra-and extra-abdominal organs. However, there are also primary mesenteric neoplasms (some of which are benign) and inflammatory or infectious lesions that mimic neoplasms, but these are rare conditions and are usually very unlikely to be suspected [3] . The symptoms of primary, secondary, and inflammatory lesions are non-specific and include abdominal pain, weight loss, palpable masses, diarrhea, among others [1] . The differential diagnosis between these conditions is difficult and usually requires histopathological analysis for confirmation. However, diagnostic imaging (especially tomography) plays a fundamental role in identifying key findings that help narrow down the differential diagnoses, define the extent of the disease, and contribute to the appropriate treatment of patients [2] . The treatment and prognosis of lesions vary depending on the etiology and range from conservative management to surgery and targeted cancer treatment [4] . The following case series presents neoplastic and non-neoplastic mesenteric lesions, some histopathologically confirmed, from the San Vicente Foundation Hospital in Medellín, Colombia, accompanied by a review of the literature emphasizing tomographic findings. Case Presentation Case 1 A 48-year-old male with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) presented to the ED after blunt abdominal trauma from a traffic accident. Examination revealed abdominal wall hematomas but normal vital signs and no peritoneal irritation. Laboratory tests were normal, including complete blood count and acute phase reactants (Table 1) . How to cite this article Mejia M , Zapata M , Acevedo Ramirez S , et al. (February 18

FAQs

Why are mesenteric neoplasms difficult to diagnose?

They are rare and frequently unconsidered, and their symptoms are non-specific. Imaging findings can also overlap with non-neoplastic conditions that mimic tumors.

What role does diagnostic imaging play in these cases?

Diagnostic imaging, especially tomographic imaging, helps identify key features, narrow differential diagnoses, define disease extent, and support appropriate treatment planning.

How were lesions confirmed in the reported case series?

The series includes histopathologically confirmed mesenteric lesions. In Case 1, percutaneous biopsy confirmed schwannomas in the mesentery and paravertebral region.

Sep 23, 2026

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