[Primary retroperitoneal tumors. Symptoms, diagnosis and therapy]

We reviewed 28 cases of primary retroperitoneal tumors (1972 to 1982). We found 22 malignant and six benign tumors. The tumors revealed no special features. Cardinal symptom was a palpable abdominal mass in 21 of 28 patients (75%). Since 1978 we have at our disposal a modern radiological technique, the computerized tomography, which allows a statement of tumor localization, tumor size and infiltration of neighbouring organs. In our patients no definite statement could be made about resectability and type of the tumors. In spite of computerized tomography there is no change the road-minded operation indication. Surgical therapy is the treatment of choice because of lacking alternatives. Complete extirpation to cure, respectively exploratory laparotomy and biopsy to determine the specific nature of the tumor by histological examination should be aspired. In individual cases palliative gastrointestinal anastomoses are necessary to treat intestinal obstruction. All six benign, but only six of 22 (27%) malignant tumors were completely removable. Although in some cases neighbouring organs were respected, no patient died after operation. For a curative therapy the early diagnosis of the tumors is necessary.