Retroperitoneal mass presenting as recurrent inguinal hernia: A case report

Retroperitoneal masses presenting as an inguinal hernia are rare conditions.

A 53 year old male admitted with the symptoms of weight loss, abdominal discomfort and left sided recurrent inguinal hernia. Physical examination demonstrated an abdominal mass in the left flank and an irreducible, painless scrotal mass. He had a history of left sided inguinal hernia surgery six years ago. Computed tomography revealed a large enhancing left sided retroperitoneal mass invading the colon, pancreas and kidney and it was going down towards the left scrotum. Unblock tumor resection including the neighboring organs (left kidney, left colon, distal pancreas with spleen) was performed. Scrotal extension of the tumor was also excised and the inguinal canal was repaired primarily. Histopathology of the mass was myxoid-liposarcoma. The patient has disease free, without hernia recurrence but poor in renal function after twenty months follow-up.

Large retroperitoneal tumors may grow towards the inguinal region and they can mimic an inguinal hernia. An irreducible, painless and hard scrotal mass should be considered from this perspective.