Atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumor in the pelvis causing sciatic nerve compression: A case report
Loïc De Roose1, Tina Decorte1, Bart Eeckhaut2
1Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
Radiology Case Reports
|March 25, 2025
Summary
A rare atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumor in the pelvis caused chronic pain and nerve compression. Surgical removal provided significant symptom relief, emphasizing the need for considering rare pelvic tumors in diagnosing radicular pain.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Chronic lower back and gluteal pain with radicular symptoms can stem from various etiologies.
- Pelvic tumors, though uncommon, can present with neurological deficits.
- Atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumors are rare neoplasms requiring careful diagnostic consideration.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old female presented with chronic lower back pain, deep gluteal pain, and radicular symptoms.
- Imaging revealed an atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumor in the pelvis.
- The tumor was identified as the cause of compression on the sacral plexus and sciatic nerve.
Findings:
- Successful surgical excision of the pelvic tumor was performed.
- The patient experienced significant relief from her chronic pain and radicular symptoms post-surgery.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of an atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumor.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of including rare pelvic tumors in the differential diagnosis for patients with unexplained radicular pain.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of such tumors can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely, effective treatment.
- Highlighting rare tumor presentations aids in refining diagnostic strategies for complex pain syndromes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Bones are dynamic organs that require a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients. Around 5% to 10% of the cardiac output supplies blood to the bones. A typical long bone has three main sources: the nutrient artery, the metaphyseal and epiphyseal arteries, and the periosteal arteries.
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...