Giant retroperitoneal neurilemoma: a rare cause of digestive tract symptoms

Benign giant retroperitoneal neurilemoma is a rare tumor which may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. An unusual case that recurred 12 years after initial excision is detailed here. Clinicians should, in selected cases, consider the possibility of a primary retroperitoneal tumor in the differential diagnosis of GI tract signs and symptoms, when primary gastrointestinal disease is not demonstrated. Primary retroperitoneal tumors are practically symptomless in early stages and are insidious in their growth patterns. Later stages of the tumors are capable of causing an array of digestive tract disturbances which may include ascites and GI blood loss. Computed axial tomographic studies have supplanted traditional diagnostic techniques, with angiography recommended in selective cases to define the blood supply. The pathology of neurilemoma and the spectrum of primary mesenchymal nonepithelial retroperitoneal tumors are presented.