[Retroperitoneal tumor on the left side: double stomach]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Retroperitoneal tumors can present with vague symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.
• Heterotopic organs, particularly the stomach, are exceedingly rare congenital anomalies.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate surgical management and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of a retroperitoneal mass.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and histological confirmation of a heterotopic second stomach.
• To emphasize the rarity of this congenital abnormality.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation and imaging findings of a left-sided retroperitoneal mass.
• Surgical exploration and resection of the tumor.
• Histopathological examination of the resected tissue.

Main Results:

• An uncertain left-sided retroperitoneal tumor was identified.
• Surgical findings and subsequent histological data confirmed the presence of a heterotopic second stomach.
• This represents an extremely rare congenital abnormality.

Conclusions:

• Heterotopic second stomach in the retroperitoneum is a rare differential diagnosis for retroperitoneal masses.
• Multidisciplinary diagnostic approaches, including surgical and histological evaluation, are essential.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in surgical pathology.