A large retroperitoneal tumor with psoas infiltration: A rare case report

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are rare neoplasms. Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is performed in patients with these tumors to detect local extent and distant metastases of the tumor and for preoperative surgical planning. However the evaluation and treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas are challenging because of its rarity and frequent presentation with advanced disease in an anatomically complex location.

We report a case of large retroperitoneal tumor in a female on the right flank. Ultrasound and Computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed infiltration into the psoas muscle on the same side along with displacement of adjacent structures. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology was suggested of liposarcoma. Surgical resection of the tumor was done. In follow up six months, patient was asymptomatic.

In case of retroperitoneal tumors CT scan remains the diagnostic modality of choice and the inefficiency of adjuvant therapy; high recurrence rate and the very low chance of curing the patient after recurrence make the prognosis of these patients poor. However surgical resection remains the optimum treatment in all cases of retroperitoneal tumors.