Retroperitoneal neurilemoma: clinical features in 10 cases

Neurilemoma is a rare tumor in the retroperitoneal cavity. Up to 1984, less than 50 cases had been reported in the English literature. We observed 10 cases of retroperitoneal neurilemoma with histologic proof at our hospital. The major symptoms were abdominal pain (80%) and body weight loss (40%). Physically palpable abdominal masses were found in 90% of the cases. The laboratory data were all within normal limits, except for a mild elevation of the eosinophil count in 4 cases. Radiologic examination demonstrated the tumor in most cases. Abdominal ultrasonography was very effective in the detection of these tumors. Surgical resection was the treatment of choice. Some patients suffered from leg numbness after the operation. Recurrent rate was high, up to 20% therefore, long-term follow-up is mandatory.