Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma. A rare case with two cysts and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma is a rare neoplasm, with benign biological behavior. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of this tumor may be fatal for the patient, because of complications, such as rupture, infection and malignant transformation.

Case presentation: We present a 23-year-old woman, who was admitted to the hospital because of a palpable abdominal mass and discomfort since 4 months. Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans were performed and showed two retroperitoneal cystic masses, which were excised by laparoscopy. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed that the inner surfaces of the cysts were lined by epithelium with features of mesothelial cells, in addition to ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. This is the 29(th) case and the second reported case with two contemporary cysts.

Conclusion: The origin of retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenomas is still unclear. Pathological and immunohistochemical findings proved that these tumors resemble ovarian mucinous cystadenomas but are unattached to the ovary and can arise at any location in the retroperitoneum. Surgical excision of the aforementioned tumors is the treatment of choice. Hippokratia 2014; 18 (3): 278-281.

Keywords: Primary; cystadenoma; mucinous; retroperitoneal.

Figure 1. Magnetic resonance imaging scan (coronal view); arrows showing the two cysts (a), Intraoperative laparoscopic image, with arrows showing the two cystic masses in the retroperitoneum (b).

Figure 2. Immunohistochemical examination of the cysts: a) columnar mucinous cells showing positivity for CK7 (CK7, x 200), b) cuboidal cells’ positivity for calretinin (calretinin, x200), c) stromal cells’ positivity for estrogen receptor (ER, x400).