Retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma: a case report and review of literature

This is a case report of retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma which was operated on for a preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumor. The tumor had no connection to other intra-abdominal organs including bilateral normal ovaries. Grossly, it was a well encapsulated, unilocular cyst containing mucous material. Histology revealed a typical area of benign, low malignant potential and malignant mucinous epithelium. No particular microscopic features suggested the origin of the tumor. We additionally performed total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingooophorectomy, and appendectomy after tumor resection and found no tumor elsewhere from these specimens. Prophylactic chemotherapy was also given. The patient was doing well 18 months postoperation. Due to its rarity, the prognosis and optimal treatment cannot be concluded with confidence at this time until more cases are reported.