Giant recurrent mesenteric tumour in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Mesenteric cysts/tumors have different types, and may be benign or malignant, and the malignant variety exhibit a potential for rapid cellular proliferation, local invasion, and distant metastasis. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are useful modes of treatment. This study aims to report the clinical features, review the literature, and discuss the challenges in the management of a giant recurrent mesenteric mass seen our health facility in year 2025. Materials and Methods: A case report on giant recurrent intra-abdominal tumour was done. Data was obtained from the patient’s clinical case notes, and discussed. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old male, who presented with painless abdominal swelling of four (4) months duration, and dysuria of a month duration. There was similar history of abdominal swelling 2 years earlier for which an exploratory laparotomy done with transfusion of ten (10) units of blood, and the tissue histopathology report malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The abdominal ultrasound scan and computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a fairly well-defined irregularly-shaped thickened cystic mass with serrated margin seen in the central upper abdomen, measuring 18x9x20x27.5cm. He had elective (open) exploratory laparotomy was offered with excision of the mass under general anesthesia, and the outcome was satisfactory. Conclusion: We reported a case of recurrent giant intra-abdominal mass that the preoperative computerized tomography scan diagnosed as mesenteric tumour. The patient had exploratory laparotomy and surgical excision, and the outcome was satisfactory.