Retroperitoneal Masses

The abdominal cavity that houses the various organs of the digestive tract is covered by a lining of tissue called the peritoneum. Retroperitonium is the region behind the peritoneal space at the back of the abdominal cavity. Retroperitoneal mass is a lump of fibrous tissue that is found in the retroperitoneal region. The formation of retroperitoneal mass is an uncommon disorder, characterised by the blockage of the ureters that carry urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder.

The cause of a retroperitoneal mass is not clear, but generally occurs between the age group of 40-60 years, and is more common in men than women.

You may experience mild pain in the abdomen that may intensify with time, change of colour, pain and swelling in your legs, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine excretion or anuria (no output of urine), kidney failure and accumulation of toxic chemicals in blood.

To diagnose retroperitoneal masses, your doctor may order an abdominal CT scan. Other tests that may help your doctor diagnose the condition are blood tests, kidney ultrasound, and MRI and CAT scan.

The retroperitoneal masses are initially treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medication. If the treatment using corticosteroids are found to be ineffective, your doctor may recommend you surgery and stenting.

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