retroperitoneal teratoma

Teratomas are uncommon neoplasms comprised of mixed dermal elements derived from the three germ cell layers.

While the majority of teratomas present congenitally in the sacrococcygeal region, within the ovaries of adolescent females and within the testes of young men, they have been identified throughout the body.

Extragonadal teratomas tend to occur in midline structures as the anterior mediastinum, retroperitoneum, sacrococcygeal region, and pineal gland.

Retroperitoneal teratomas represent only 1-11% of primary retroperitoneal tumors.

Incidence is bimodal with peaks in the first 6 months of life and in early adulthood.

Due to their location, they are usually identified only after they have grown to huge proportions.

There is a 25% chance of malignancy.

Surgical resection remains the mainstay of therapy and is required for definitive diagnosis.

See also

 teratoma
 germ cell tumors (GCTs)

References

 Primary retroperitoneal teratomas: a review of the literature. Gatcombe HG, Assikis V, Kooby D, Johnstone PA. J Surg Oncol. 2004 May 1;86(2):107-13. PMID: 15112254