A foregut cyst derives from the embryonic foregut, and is usually located in the mediastinum. Other locations, such as in the retroperitoneum, are uncommon. Preoperative accurate diagnosis is sometimes difficult. We present a patient with a peripancreatic cystic mass. The resected cyst contained turbid yellowish fluid. Pathologic examination showed that it was lined by simple, ciliated and low cuboidal epithelium. The surrounding muscular layers did not have any other epithelial or mesenchymal components. The diagnosis of retroperitoneal foregut cyst was established. In asymptomatic patients, surgical intervention is controversial. However, considering the potential risks of malignant transformation, surgery might be an important step for obtaining a definite diagnosis.