Solitary preperitoneal neurofibroma: a case report

BACKGROUND: Neurofibroma is a rare benign tumor. The isolated presence of such lesions in the preperitoneal space with no evidence of systemic disease has never been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old white man presented with a 12 months history of progressive abdominal distension. Clinical examination revealed a bulky hypogastric mass. Abdominal computed tomography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a large, well defined preperitoneal tumor measuring 18 x 17cm extending in the pelvis. A computed tomography guided biopsy was performed which revealed a neurofibroma. Exploratory laparotomy showed a well encapsulated elastic soft tumor in the preperitoneal space which measured 17 x 18cm and weighted 2 Kg. The tumor was completely excised. No recurrence occurred after one year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Solitary preperitoneal neurofibroma is an extremely rare benign tumor. Its clinical and radiological signs are nonspecific. Preoperative histology can be useful to guide the surgical approach which is the only curative treatment.