Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma: report of two cases

Abstract

Background: Retroperitoneal cystadenocarcinomas are rare lesions, the majority of cases presented as one-patient reports.

Methods: We present two cases of retroperitoneal cystadenocarcinoma, both in women of reproductive age: one with aggressive behavior, and the remaining case, with a more indolent clinical evolution.

Results: One case presented as pelvic tumor, was treated with surgical resection of the disease, but manifested with recurrent disease a few months later despite use of chemotherapy. The second case involved a patient with diagnosis of abdominal tumor; during laparotomy, a retroperitoneal tumor was found and was totally removed. At follow-up, the patient is disease-free with no other treatment.

Conclusion: The behavior and treatment of retroperitoneal cystadenocarcinoma are controversial. We suggest aggressive surgery including radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoopherectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy in these cases.

Figure 1

Computer tomography (CT) scan of pelvis. a). showing normal uterus and a pelvic mass located in the area of the left adnexa. b). showing cystic mass with solid areas.

Figure 2

Gross section of the cystic lesion shows nodular area.

Figure 3

Microscopically, the tumor shows transition between benign and malignant areas of the mucinous tumor (Hematoxilin and eosin stain 20×).

Figure 4

Ultrasound (US) reveals a cystic mass with solid areas in the second case.