Giant Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Liposarcomas are rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, from adipocyte precursors, which may occur in the retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneal liposarcomas account for 0.3% to 0.6% of malignant neoplasms and the main symptom is increased abdominal volume. Due to the slow and asymptomatic growth of the tumor, the condition is commonly associated with late diagnosis and indolent course. Case report: 70-year-old man with progressive abdominal enlargement for about two years. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a formation in the right retroperitoneal topography, promoting significant deviation of the midline structures. Furthermore, there was a solid content above the structure described above. A xiphopubic laparotomy was performed with presentation of giant retroperitoneal mass occupying the entire abdomen, displacing the intestinal loops and the right kidney. En bloc tumor resection, diaphragmatic raffia and cholecystectomy were performed. Three months after the first surgical procedure, the patient presented a novel increase of the abdominal volume which imaging tests showed tumor recurrence. A new surgical procedure was performed, revealing a tumor with a ruptured capsule and multiple clots. After hospital discharge, the patient was submitted to complementary radiotherapy Conclusion: The fast return of the patient after the recurrence, common in these cases, was essential to reduce the residues of the second surgery, highlighting the importance of periodic examinations for the early recognition of local recurrence. In this case, radiotherapy sessions were also performed to prevent recurrence, however, unsuccessful.