Large benign retroperitoneal tumour in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Oncology
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Retroperitoneal tumors during pregnancy are rare and pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Early pregnancy presents unique considerations for surgical intervention due to potential risks to the fetus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a large retroperitoneal tumor diagnosed in early pregnancy.
• To discuss the management and outcomes of surgical resection of such tumors during gestation.

Main Methods:

• A pregnant patient in her first trimester underwent abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a suspected retroperitoneal mass.
• Surgical exploration and resection of the tumor were performed.
• Histopathological analysis was conducted to determine the nature of the tumor.

Main Results:

• A 10-cm retroperitoneal tumor extending from the right kidney was identified.
• The tumor was successfully resected without the need for nephrectomy.
• Histology confirmed a mucinous cystic adenoma with no evidence of malignancy.
• The pregnancy proceeded uneventfully after surgery.

Conclusions:

• Surgical intervention is a viable and recommended option for retroperitoneal tumors in pregnant patients when malignancy is suspected.
• Early diagnosis and management can lead to favorable outcomes for both mother and fetus.
• Conservative surgical approaches may be sufficient, avoiding radical procedures like nephrectomy.