A 28-week-old fetus with an orbital immature teratoma

Abstract

A teratoma is a tumor comprising three embryonic germ layers. Teratomas are classified as mature and immature teratomas based on their histological differentiation. Few teratomas, particularly immature teratomas, occur in the orbital cavity. We report a case of a 28-week-old fetus with an orbital immature teratoma. The parents terminated the pregnancy because of the rapid growth and unknown nature of the tumor. Owing to its relatively low incidence, no standard treatment for orbital teratomas has been devised. Generally, to preserve vision and for aesthetic reasons, surgery should be performed as soon as possible.