Giorgio La Greca1, Giovanni Trombatore2, Guido Basile3, Pietro Conti2. 1. Division of General Surgery, Civil Hospital of Lentini, C/da Colle Roggio, 96016 Lentini, SR, Italy. Electronic address: giorgiolagreca@gmail.com. 2. Division of General Surgery, Civil Hospital of Lentini, C/da Colle Roggio, 96016 Lentini, SR, Italy. 3. Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, via S. Sofia, 78, 95123 Catania, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Retrorectal tumors are rare diseases and they can be challenging to diagnose and to manage. Usually they have a slow growth and they are asymptomatic. When present, symptoms depends on the dimensions of the tumor and their position. Inside the retrorectal space may develope a wide variety of benign and malignant masses. CASE REPORT: A 70-years-old, obese, female patient was admitted to our hospital referring pelvic and lower-back pain for six months. The retrorectal mass was incidentally detected on imaging, and treated with a modified Kraske procedure. Pathological examination revealed a rare retrorectal epidermoid cyst. We also reviewed the informations present in the scientific literature about the incidence, diagnosis and treatment options of retrorectal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the rarity and heterogeneity of these tumors, we agree with literature that their surgical management is mandatory in order to achieve a definitive diagnosis and to avoid complications including malignant transformation. The surgical approach should be tailored for each patient and according to tumor's features.
BACKGROUND:Retrorectal tumors are rare diseases and they can be challenging to diagnose and to manage. Usually they have a slow growth and they are asymptomatic. When present, symptoms depends on the dimensions of the tumor and their position. Inside the retrorectal space may develope a wide variety of benign and malignant masses. CASE REPORT: A 70-years-old, obese, female patient was admitted to our hospital referring pelvic and lower-back pain for six months. The retrorectal mass was incidentally detected on imaging, and treated with a modified Kraske procedure. Pathological examination revealed a rare retrorectal epidermoid cyst. We also reviewed the informations present in the scientific literature about the incidence, diagnosis and treatment options of retrorectal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the rarity and heterogeneity of these tumors, we agree with literature that their surgical management is mandatory in order to achieve a definitive diagnosis and to avoid complications including malignant transformation. The surgical approach should be tailored for each patient and according to tumor's features.