Bubbles in the belly- a case based approach to cystic peritoneal masses

Background Primary cystic neoplasms of the peritoneum are rare lesions and not commonly encountered in practice. Many intra-abdominal processes may mimic cystic masses within the peritoneal cavity and pose a diagnostic challenge to both the pathologist and radiologist. Clinical presentation is diverse and varied. These lesions are usually benign. Hence complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice in most of the cases. Methods Study design: Descriptive Retrospective study. Cystic peritoneal lesions were identified and studied from data over a period of 5 years in the Histopathology Section at a tertiary care hospital in Pune, India. Mode of presentation, imaging findings in addition to gross and histopathologic findings of these lesions were studied. Results Out of 50 peritoneal lesions studied over a period of 5 years, only 7 were identified to be cystic peritoneal masses. Of these two were found to be peritoneal cysts, two mesenteric cysts, one an infected mesenteric cyst and one each a mucinous cystadenoma and lymphangioma. Conclusions Correct diagnosis rests in the hands of the pathologist and ensures that the patient receives appropriate and timely management. Hence knowledge of the spectrum of these rare cystic peritoneal masses is necessary to distinguish from other potential cystic abdominal mimicker masses and avoid a potential pitfall.