Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in a male patient: a case report

Abstract

In the literature, 51 cases of primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma have been published. We report the fourth case occurring in a male patient. The 42-year-old patient presented with multiple retroperitoneal cystic masses causing abdominal discomfort without alteration of the global clinical state. The masses were totally removed by a two-stage surgery. No other treatment has been introduced. After a follow-up of 6 months, the patient is disease-free. This rare tumor most likely arises from the mucinous metaplasia of peritoneal inclusion cysts rather than from ectopic ovarian tissue or ovarian teratomas. The occurrence of such a tumor in a male patient supports this theory. Preoperative diagnosis is mostly difficult. Clinical behavior and treatment are still controversial.

Figure 1.

Abdominal ultrasound; cystic masses mimicking liver hydatid cysts.

Figure 2.

Computed tomography; retroperitoneal cystic mass, spontaneously hyperdense, containing calcifications.

Figure 3.

Macroscopic findings; four cystic masses, surgically removed, surrounded by a capsule with a network of small dilated vessels and without exophytic vegetations.

Figure 4.

Macroscopic findings; multicystic aspect at sectioning, with mucoid content.

Figure 5.

Microscopic findings; cystic wall was containing smooth muscle fibers and was lined by a monostratified mucinous type epithelium (hematoxilin and eosin, 20×). Papillary pseudostratification was also observed.