BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal lipoma is an extremely rare neoplasm. AIMS: The authors report a case of giant retroperitoneal lipoma in a 32-year-old white female, with a history of pain and an abdominal mass over a 2-year period. Total abdominal ultrasonography and barium enema showed a large mass located in the retroperitoneal space behind the ascending colon. Laparotomy showed a large encapsulated tumor measuring 20 x 13 x 10 cm and weighing 3.400 g. The histological study revealed a benign neoplasm of fatty cells. CONCLUSION: The patient remains well 17 years after surgery, without recurrentce of the disease.
Retroperitoneal space; Lipoma