Retroperitoneal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory myofibrolastic tumor (IMT) is a neoplasm of unknown etiology occurring at various sites. By definition, it is composed of spindle cells (myofibroblasts) with variable inflammatory-component, hence the name is IMT. Case presentation: The present case is of a 46 years old woman presented with a history of flank pain, abdominal mass and intermittent hematuria for last 6 months. The initial diagnosis was kept as renal cell carcinoma. Finally, it turned out to be a case of retroperitoneal IMT. The patient was managed by complete surgical resection of the tumor. Conclusion: IMT is a rare neoplasm of uncertain biological potential. Complete surgical resection remains the mainstay of the treatment. © 2005 Attili et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.