Unclear Retroperitoneal Tumors, an Interdisciplinary Challenge – A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

\n BackgroundUnclear retroperitoneal tumors still impose major challenges for clinicians. Tumors can originate primarily from retroperitoneal tissue or secondarily invade into the retroperitoneal space. While benign lesions also occur, malignant tumors are far more common. Clinical presentation often depends on replacement or invasion of other organs and is therefore highly variable. The heterogeneous tumor composition makes a definitive preoperative diagnosis difficult. Nevertheless, surgical resection is the gold standard for treatment but often proves challenging due to frequent involvement of large retroperitoneal vessels.Case presentationWe present a case report of a 70-year old woman diagnosed with a large, unclear retroperitoneal tumor. Initial clinical symptoms were increasing dyspnea and dysphagia in our clinic. Gastroenterologic and cardiologic workup was unremarkable. Computed Tomography (CT) revealed a large retroperitoneal mass in the right upper abdomen with severe displacement of the inferior vena cava and renal veins. Without signs of irresectability, the patient was scheduled for tumor resection. The procedure was challenging due to the vessel involvement and large blood pressure alterations during tumor mobilization. The post-op pathologic workup then revealed the rare finding of a completely resected paraganglioma. The post-surgical course was uneventful. One year after diagnosis, the patient is relapse-free.CconclusionThis case impressively shows the challenges of retroperitoneal tumors and the importance of interdisciplinary work in these cases.