Emergency Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Surgery for Preoperative Rupture and Hemoperitoneum: A Case Report

Imaging of abdominopelvic oncologic emergencies

With advancements in cancer treatment, the survival rates for many malignancies have increased. However, both the primary tumors and the treatments themselves can give rise to various complications. Acute symptoms in oncology patients require prompt attention. Abdominopelvic oncologic emergencies can be classified into four distinct categories: vascular, bowel, hepatopancreatobiliary, and bone-related complications. Radiologists need to be familiar with these complications to ensure timely diagnosis, which ultimately enhances patient outcomes.

Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Care in 2021

Soft-tissue sarcomas are biologically heterogenous tumors arising from connective tissues with over 100 subtypes. Although sarcomas account for <1% of all adult malignancies, retroperitoneal sarcomas are a distinct subgroup accounting for <10% of all sarcomatous tumors. There have been considerable advancements in the understanding and treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma in the last decade, with standard treatment consisting of upfront primary surgical resection. The evidence surrounding the addition of radiation therapy remains controversial. There remains no standard with regards to systemic therapy, including immunotherapy. Adjunctive therapy remains largely dictated by expert consensus and preferences at individual centers or participation in clinical trials. In this 2021 review, we detail the anatomical boundaries of the retroperitoneum, clinical characteristics, contemporary standard of care and well as recent advancements in retroperitoneal sarcoma care. Ongoing international collaborations are encouraged to advance our understanding of this complex disease.