[Extended resection for a huge retroperitoneal malignant paraganglioma-a case report]

A 74-year-old man was transferred to our institute because of a huge abdominal tumor in April 2012. Computed tomography (CT) showed the presence of a huge retroperitoneal tumor, 20 cm in diameter. The tumor directly infiltrated the right kidney, the liver, and the inferior vena cava. Obstruction of the hepatic hilum and right hydronephrosis in the near future was predicted, and therefore, immediate surgical intervention was selected. Extracorporeal circulation was essential for complete tumor removal. The tumor was removed en bloc together with the right lobe of the liver, the right kidney, the ileocecal portion, and the retrohepatic vena cava. Histopathological examination indicated a diagnosis of paraganglioma. Two months after surgery, CT showed a recurrent lesion at the resected surface of the pelvic cavity. Additional radiotherapy was ineffective, and the patient died 6 months after surgery.