Retroperitoneal tumors

Abstract

Retroperitoneal tumors (RPTs) are most commonly found in anatomically confined spaces. Primary RPTs are to be distinguished from those arising from retroperitoneal organs or from the metastatic masses. They may originate either from anyone of the three embryonal leaves or may take on more complex composition, consequently accounting for their varied histological appearance (1, 10). Badowski et al. (1) gave the following occurrence ratio: mesenchymal tumors account for 61.5%, mixed tumors for 23% and nervous tissue tumors--15.5%. They possess either benign or malignant potentials, with invasion of the neighbouring tissues and organs by the growth. The mode of disease at early stage is rarely conspicuous. Patients usually present with vague abdominal pains and palpable resistance. The techniques that are employed consist in the CT, USG and the selective angiography accompanied by passage films and the urography.