Management of Retroperitoneal Mucinous Neoplasms
Summary
Retroperitoneal mucinous neoplasms are rare cystic tumours that arise in the retroperitoneal space without a clear organ of origin. Their presentation ranges from asymptomatic abdominal distension to pain or mass effect on adjacent organs. Preoperative imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is essential to characterise size, loculation and relation to vital structures, yet definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological assessment. Management centres on complete surgical excision to prevent rupture and peritoneal seeding. Open laparotomy remains the traditional approach for large or complex lesions, offering direct access and greater control over cyst integrity. Minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopy and robot-assisted surgery, have emerged for selected cases, with careful containment measures to avoid mucin spillage. In tumours with borderline or malignant histology, adjunctive chemotherapy and tailored surveillance protocols are considered, though evidence is limited by small case series. Long-term follow-up is recommended to detect recurrence or malignant transformation. Multidisciplinary planning and referral to specialist centres can optimise outcomes, given the rarity and unpredictability of these neoplasms.
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Management of Retroperitoneal Mucinous Neoplasms publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in management of retroperitoneal mucinous neoplasms across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Retroperitoneum: The anatomical space behind the peritoneal lining of the abdomen, housing organs such as the kidneys and major vessels.
Mucinous neoplasm: A tumour characterised by the production of mucin, a gel-like secretion found in various epithelial tissues.
Laparotomy: A conventional open surgical procedure involving a large abdominal incision to access internal organs.
Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical technique using small incisions and a camera to perform intra-abdominal procedures.
Borderline malignancy: A histological category denoting tumours with atypical cellular features but without overt invasive behaviour.
References
- Incidentally discovered huge retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma with successful laparoscopic management: Case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports (2019).
- Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma: A case report with review of literature. Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2022).
- Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystic tumour of borderline malignancy mimicking kidney duplicate: cases report and literature review. BMC Urology (2023).
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