[Retroperitoneal sarcoma: report of 6 cases]

Abstract

Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RPS) are uncommon tumors. The diagnosis is frequently made later in the evolution of the disease due to the absence of specific symptomatology. Surgery with total resection of the tumor is the treatment of choice, but is only possible in 38 to 75% of cases. Six cases of RPS have been retrospectively reviewed; the mean time to diagnosis was 5 months; diagnosis was established via CT scan, which determined the retroperitoneal tumor location and its relationship to the neighboring organs. The most common symptoms were the presence of an abdominal mass and accompanying abdominal pain; signs of urinary and vascular compression were not found until later. Surgery with total resection was performed in 4 cases, and with partial resection in 2 cases. The histological findings were as follows: 3 liposarcomas, 2 rhabdomyosarcomas, and 1 fibrosarcoma. Tumor recurrence developed in 2 cases (liposarcomas), necessitating further surgery and complete resection. Two patients were lost to follow-up. RPS are characterized by locoregional relapse and metastases. Disease outcome depends on the histological type, tumor grade, and on the possibility of carrying out complete resection.