Solid Primary Retroperitoneal Masses in Adults: An Imaging Approach

Abstract

Mass lesions in the retroperitoneal space may be primary or secondary. Primary retroperitoneal mass lesions are relatively uncommon as compared to pathology that arises secondarily from retroperitoneal organs. These may be solid or cystic lesions. The overlapping imaging features of various solid primary retroperitoneal tumors make the diagnosis difficult, and hence, histopathology remains the mainstay of diagnosis. This paper provides a brief review of the anatomy of the retroperitoneal space and provides an algorithmic approach based on cross-sectional imaging techniques to narrow down the differential diagnosis of solid primary retroperitoneal masses encountered in the adult population.

Renal cell carcinoma metastasis without a primary: A case report

“…Alive. Petrinec et al 12 50 F Retroperitoneum None Pos: cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), PAX-8, TFE3 Resection and left nephrectomy None at 6 months. Alive.…”

“…Primary retroperitoneal masses can be neoplastic such as lymphoma, lymphangioma, mesothelioma, leiomyosarcoma; or non-neoplastic conditions such as retroperitoneal fibrosis or benign cysts. 12 , 13 In the case presented here, a biopsy of the retroperitoneal mass was organised by the patient's gastroenterologist given his history of previous HCC and FDG avidity. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining is then crucial in determining a primary source and histological sub-type to guide choice of further therapy.…”

Retroperitoneal urothelial carcinoma arising after bladder diverticulectomy: a case report

“…Imaging is not always sufficient to confirm the clinical diagnosis of a tumor, and histopathological assessment is indispensable, primarily when imaging cannot determine the malignancy of the tumor. Regarding tumor biopsy, ultrasound- or CT-guidance enables the safe procurement of samples for histological analysis [ 6 , 7 ]. Notably, percutaneous biopsy of urothelial carcinoma might increase the risk of tumor tract seeding [ 8 , 9 ]; tract recurrences often occur within 15 months.…”

Retroperitoneal urothelial carcinoma arising after bladder diverticulectomy: a case report

“…Imaging is not always su cient to con rm the clinical diagnosis of a tumor, and histopathological assessment is indispensable, primarily when imaging cannot determine the malignancy of the tumor. Regarding tumor biopsy, ultrasound-or CT-guidance enables the safe procurement of samples for histological analysis [4,5]. Notably, percutaneous biopsy of urothelial carcinoma might increase the risk of tumor tract seeding [6,7]; tract recurrences often occur within 15 months.…”