Retroperitoneal nonfunctional extraadrenal paraganglioma: A diagnostic challenge

Retroperitoneal nonfunctional extraadrenal paragangliomas are uncommon neoplasms arising from the aorticosympathetic chain of paraganglia. Biopsy of these tumors shows diverse cytomorphological features which can pose a significant diagnostic challenge to the histopathologist. We report a case of a 36-year-old male presenting with abdominal pain and a retroperitoneal mass anterior to the left kidney observed on ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan. CT-guided needle core biopsy was carried out which revealed varied cytological features suggesting a wide spectrum of differential diagnosis. Knowledge of the histological features along with immunohistochemistry helped us to diagnose this case. Since surgical excision is the preferred treatment of choice, early and accurate diagnosis is of utmost importance.