A case of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst and our clinical experience with retroperitoneal tumors

Retroperitoneal tumors are rare. They are asymptomatic, and are often found incidentally on abdominal computed tomograms (CTs). The patient reported here visited our hospital complaining of right flank pain. On abdominal CTs, a left-side retroperitoneal mass and a right ureteral stone were found. The hormonal study was normal. After surgical excision, the tumor was confirmed to be a bronchogenic cyst histologically, a very rare cause of retroperitoneal tumor. Our medical center has seen 15 cases with a soft tissue mass in retroperitoneal space over the past 5 years. Benign tumors were incidentally, while malignant tumors were often diagnosed after the patient complained of a palpable mass. In many of these cases, the radiologic impressions and pathologic diagnosis were inconsistent.