Retroperitoneal tumours

Abstract

Primary retro-peritoneal tumours, though uncommon, are not great rarities and should not be neglected. They merit more notice than is generally given them in the odd half page of the standard surgical text book. They pose a difficult and fascinating problem to the pathologist and to the physician. To the practicing surgeon they are a challenge that may tax his resource. Most workers agree that the diagnosis is not easy. Enlargements of the kidney, adrenal, pancreas, spleen and liver have to be excluded, as also such lesions as aortic aneurysms. The tumours may arise from anywhere from the diaphragm to the pelvic floor, and from a wide variety of tissue such as fat, areolar tissue, connective tissue, fascia, muscle, vascular tissue, nerve tissue, somatic and autonomic, lymphatic vessels and lymphatic nodes. Five cases of retroperitoneal tumours are described, focusing on the respective diagnosis, surgical treatments and therapy.