Schwannoma of the seminal vesicle: Case report and review of the literature

Seminal vesicles can be affected by tumours originating in other locations. However, primary tumours of the seminal vesicle are extremely rare, with less than 100 cases reported in literature. Seminal vesicle adenocarcinoma is the most common type, but there are also other malign lesions. Diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of early symptoms and well-defined criteria. These tumours are usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging tests or pelvic surgery. Definitive diagnosis requires anatomopathological analysis. Case report of 58-years-old man with schwannoma of the seminal vesicle. We describe the main characteristics of these tumours as well as their therapeutic approach.

Histology-tailored multidisciplinary management of primary retroperitoneal sarcomas

Until recently, the recommendation for primary retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) was to perform a complete en-bloc gross excision, (neo) adjuvant treatments being options which were not validated by randomized studies, with a large discrepancy of use between centers. The heterogeneity of RPS, with their different biological behaviour, renders a homogenous therapeutic and surgical approach probably inappropriate. Recent studies, both surgical and dedicated to adjuvant treatments, allow refining these recommendations. This review summarizes recent advances and directions.

Idiopathic retroperitoneal haematoma causing duodenal obstruction: a case report and review of literature

Idiopathic retroperitoneal haematoma is a rare clinical entity; resulting duodenal obstruction is even more occult. It can pose a diagnostic challenge due to variable presentations. Timely management requires a high index of suspicion and a multidisciplinary approach. Surgery is indicated in patients refractory to conservative treatment and failure of endoscopic or interventional radiology options. We report an interesting case illustrating the rarity and severity of this condition, with a review of the literature.

Overview of primary adult retroperitoneal tumours

In front of a primary retroperitoneal tumour, it is necessary to have in mind all possible diagnoses in order to specify the diagnostic strategy and the treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumours, mesenchymal benign and malignant tumours (including sarcomas and, currently, neurogenic tumours), parasympathetic tumours, extragonadal germ cell tumours, and lymphoid tumours have been identified. By definition, primary retroperitoneal tumours start independently from the retroperitoneal organs. Secondary lesions, carcinoma metastasis, and adenopathy are excluded from this definition, but they can also develop in the retroperitoneal space and lead to misdiagnoses. In the absence of positive tumour markers or an evocative biology, percutaneous biopsy is necessary. Pathological diagnosis is necessary to decide whether surgery must be done, its timing among the other treatments, and its extension. This paper summarizes all the diagnostic possibilities.

Retroperitoneal paravertebral ganglioneuroma: a multidisciplinary approach facilitates less radical surgery

Background

Ganglioneuroma (GN) of the adult is a rare benign tumour originating from neural crest-derived cells. In most cases, GN is found in the mediastinum or retroperitoneum incidentally and may present with unspecific symptoms caused by space-occupying effects. The correct diagnosis of a retroperitoneal mass is still a challenge. Nevertheless, a preoperatively confirmed diagnosis of GN may support the concept of a less radical approach and may help to prevent unnecessary morbidity or loss of function.

Case presentation

We report a case of a symptomatic retroperitoneal paravertebral GN in a 33-year-old woman. She has been referred with abdominal discomfort, lancinating pain in the right leg, headache and nausea. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid paravertebral tumour adjacent to the psoas muscle. Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy yielded the diagnosis of GN. The tumour was resected completely via a laparotomy. Immunohistopathological examinations confirmed a benign GN.

Conclusions

Diagnostic studies and therapeutic interventions of retroperitoneal GN are discussed. In our case, a core needle biopsy preceding complete resection was helpful to prevent too extensive surgical approach.