A retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma of the appendix: A case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma (RP) is a rare mucinous tumor growth in the retroperitoneal space, frequently originating from the appendix.
• Non-specific symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating complicate early diagnosis, necessitating expert multidisciplinary management.

Observation:

• An 82-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and a palpable mass, diagnosed via imaging as a retroperitoneal cystic mass.
• Exploratory laparotomy revealed gelatinous masses from the retrocaecal appendix, successfully resected.
• Histopathology confirmed retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma originating from a low-grade mucinous appendiceal cystadenoma.

Findings:

• Complete surgical resection of the retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma was achieved.
• The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery.
• The patient remained disease-free at a 12-month follow-up, indicating successful treatment.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and complete surgical cytoreduction are crucial for favorable outcomes in retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma.
• Adjuvant therapies, including HIPEC or chemotherapy, may be considered based on tumor characteristics.
• Understanding the appendiceal origin is key for managing this rare condition effectively.