Laparoscopic excision of primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma and malignant predicting factors derived from literature review

INTRODUCTION: Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystic neoplasm is very rare and its histogenesis is unclear. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This paper presents the case of a 31-year-old female in whom an incidentally detected retroperitoneal cystic mass, 6.5 cm in size, was successfully resected through laparoscopic approach. Pathologic examination revealed a mucinous cystadenoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remained free of recurrence six months after surgery. DISCUSSION: Literature review showed that male sex (p = 0.019), and solid nodules in cysts (p < 0.001) were both significantly associated with malignancy. CONCLUSION: When confronted with a cystic mass in the retroperitoneum, a primary mucinous cystic neoplasm should be considered and complete surgical removal of the tumor without spillage is recommended.