The retroperitoneal space is located in the abdominal cavity on the front side of the transversalis fascia and behind the parietal peritoneum. There are several organs that connect to the retroperitoneum, including lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen, liver, colon and pancreas. Tumors within the retroperitoneal space have a higher chance of malignancy and may be categorized as primary or secondary retroperitoneal tumors. Dr. Dmitri Alden is a top oncological surgeon who offers surgical treatment of retroperitoneal malignancies through his medical clinic in NYC.

Symptoms and Types of Retroperitoneal Tumors

The retroperitoneal space has a wide variety of soft tissues that can become cancerous. Muscle, connective tissue, fat, lymph nodes, blood vessels and nervous tissue are all found in this space in the abdomen. Retroperitoneal tumors are categorized into four main groups: mesodermal (muscle and vascular); neurogenic (nerve sheath); germ, sex and stromal cell; and lymphoid.

Retroperitoneal tumors tend to be asymptomatic for long periods, but most patients will eventually begin to experience symptoms. Since these tumors are very rare, the symptoms are often misdiagnosed as originating from other conditions. The symptoms vary greatly, depending on the type of tumor and location, but possible signs include:

• Abdominal pain
• Feeling “full” quickly after eating
• Nausea/vomiting
• Urination disorders
• Shortness of breath
• Stool disorders

Diagnosis of malignancies in the retroperitoneal space usually begins with a physical exam – often the physician may feel the masses within the abdomen. Imaging such as CT and MRI scans can be used to view the mass and begin diagnosing the type and possible treatment required.

Advanced Abdominal Tumor Surgery

The most common treatment for retroperitoneal tumors begins with surgical removal. Dr. Dmitri Alden is one of the top liver, pancreas and bile duct oncological surgeons in the world, with extensive knowledge and experience performing complex abdominal cancer surgeries. Due to the location of many tumors in the retroperitoneum, resection surgery on nearby organs is often required, including the pancreas, colon and kidneys.

If you have been diagnosed with a retroperitoneal tumor that needs removal, seek the expertise of one of the top oncological surgeons in the country. Contact the office of Dr. Dmitri Alden in UES Manhattan, NY, to schedule a consultation for treatment of retroperitoneal malignancies.