Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma-A case study and review of the literature

Primary retroperitoneal tumours of mucinous type are extremely rare and can be further sub-divided into benign, borderline or cystadenocarcinoma. Prompt diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumours is important as the majority are malignant.

Our case describes a 30year old woman, presenting with a 3month history of intermittent right iliac fossa pain. Abdominal examination demonstrated a mass palpable in the right iliac fossa. Ultrasonography of the abdomen demonstrated a cystic mass with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the pelvis further defining the lesion. Laparoscopy was performed to further evaluate and ultimately remove the retroperitoneal mass. Macroscopic and microscopic examination reported mucinous epithelium of endocervical type with no evidence of invasion. Findings were consistent with primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma.

This is the 19th reported case of a benign primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma in the English literature. The origin of mucinous cystadenomas in the retroperitoneum is widely debated with multiple theories suggested. Diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumours is important but difficult as serological investigations, ultrasonography, computed topography and magnetic resonance imaging, although useful, cannot allow a confident diagnosis.

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma is a benign tumour, however because of the malignant nature of the majority of mucinous retroperitoneal tumours they should be considered in the differential of chronic abdominal pain despite their rarity.