A case of primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma treated with fertility-sparing surgery

Abstract

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is an extremely rare tumor. Preoperative diagnosis is very diffi cult and the treatment remains controversial. A 37-year-old Korean woman (gravida 0) presented with a huge abdominal mass. Computed tomography scan revealed an 18 × 11 cm sized unilocular cyst with irregular wall thickening and solid component at right adnexa. Serum CA 19-9 was slightly elevated (37.05 U/mL). At laparotomy, a huge right retroperitoneal cystic tumor originating from right paracolic gutter was found. Frozen section of the cystic tumor revealed a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. Because the patient wished to remain fertile, fertility sparing surgery was performed. Microscopically, no evidence of metastasis was found and no further treatment was given. Six months after surgery, she has no evidence of recurrence. Fertility-sparing surgery should be considered for women with primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, who wish to remain fertile.