Rapid growth of retroperitoneal adipose leiomyoma after inguinal hernia mesh repair: An observation case report suggesting a potential association with mesh material.

RATIONALE: Lipoleiomyomas are rare benign tumors typically characterized by slow growth. However, this case demonstrates an unusually rapid enlargement of a retroperitoneal lipoleiomyoma following hernia mesh repair, highlighting a potential link between synthetic mesh materials and tumorigenesis.

PATIENT CONCERNS: A 47-year-old female presented with a rapidly enlarging right lower abdominal mass detected 1 month after undergoing laparoscopic right inguinal hernia mesh repair. The tumor grew from an initial size of 5 cm to 15 cm × 10 cm within 6 months, raising concerns about malignancy or mesh-related complications.

DIAGNOSES: Pelvic enhanced CT revealed a large mass (15 cm × 10 cm) in the right lower anterior abdominal wall and pelvis. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a benign lipoleiomyoma.

INTERVENTIONS: Surgical excision was performed, with the tumor found at the site of prior mesh implantation.

OUTCOMES: Complete resection was achieved, and the patient recovered without complications. Histopathology confirmed a lipoleiomyoma with no malignant features.

LESSONS: This case suggests that lipoleiomyomas may exhibit rapid growth in rare instances, warranting close postoperative surveillance. The tumor's location at the mesh implantation site raises the possibility of mesh-induced chronic inflammation contributing to tumorigenesis, necessitating further investigation into the long-term effects of synthetic meshes.