Retroperitoneal mass revealed to be metastatic lymph node of unknown primary origin – Cancer of unknown origin

Abstract

Cancer of unknown primary origin is a rare form of metastatic solid tumour representing less than 2% of malignancies. These patients tend to have an unfavourable prognosis, with long-term survivors scarcely reported in the literature. Here we present a rare case of a 56- year-old female with eight year survival, after surgical resection of a metastatic retroperitoneal lymph node, despite relapse of her tumour and no adjuvant treatment. We hope that this case report will aid in increasing awareness and understanding of this often overlooked entity.