Tumors of the Omentum can be divided into primary and secondary types. Primary omental tumors are relatively rare, with malignancies accounting for about one-third. Stout et al. encountered 8 cases of small benign tumors in the 1950s, including 3 cases of lipoma, 3 cases of leiomyoma, and 2 cases of neurofibroma.

bubble_chart Pathogenesis

1. Primary: such as smooth muscle, striated muscle fleshy tumor, fat fleshy tumor, hemangiopericytoma, fibrous fleshy tumor, and mucinous adenocarcinoma, etc.; benign tumors include lipoma, leiomyoma, hemangioma, and neurofibroma, etc.

2. Secondary: mostly metastasized from intra-abdominal malignant tumors (such as gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, retroperitoneal tissue, or uterus, ovarian malignant tumors, etc.). The most common sources are stomach cancer and ovarian malignant tumors; reticular membrane teratomas are occasionally encountered, mostly as dermoid cysts.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Primary tumors are characterized by a gradual abdominal distension and palpable masses. Small tumors often present with common symptoms, while larger tumors may cause dull abdominal pain, fullness, and gastrointestinal dysfunction in most patients. Secondary tumors are often discovered during surgical exploration for other organ diseases or concurrently with advanced-stage recurrent tumors. Malignant tumors may be accompanied by systemic weight loss, anemia, or cachexia, and may also present with bloody or non-bloody ascites. Physical examination may reveal a mass.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

X-ray, B-mode ultrasound, and CT scans are all helpful for diagnosis. If conditions permit, laparoscopy combined with biopsy can clarify the disease cause and its nature.

Primary tumors should be surgically removed, while secondary tumors need to be excised along with the primary lesion, but they are often at an advanced stage with extensive metastasis. For more localized cases, palliative resection can be performed, supplemented by chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or radiotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

bubble_chart Prognosis

The prognosis for surgical resection of primary tumors is generally favorable. Secondary tumors are often at an advanced stage with widespread metastasis.