Cystic lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors involving the neck, head, and axilla, and most frequently occur in children before the age of 5 years. In the present study, the case of a giant cystic lymphangioma originating in the cardia of the stomach was reported in an 18‑year‑old female complaining of abdominal distention. Contrast‑enhanced computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a large, multilobulated cystic mass located between the cardia and esophagogastric junction with a diameter of 4.0 cm. The lesion was successfully removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis of the lymphatic endothelium‑specific O‑linked sialoglycoprotein D2‑40 confirmed the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma. No complications associated with the tumor dissection occurred, and the patient did not report any further complaints or any signs of recurrence at 6‑and 18‑month follow‑up. The present case demonstrates that a diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma should be considered in non‑pediatric patients suffering aspecific abdominal complaints.