Abdominal and gonadal mature cystic teratomas

Abstract

The estimated incidence of germ cell tumours (GCT), is approximately 0.9/100,000 population [1,2]. One type of germ cell tumour, known as a teratoma, is typically derived from primordial germ cells, which have the potential to differentiate into somatic cells [3]. A mature teratoma consists of tissues from two or three germ layers derived from the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm [4]. The tissues from the three germ layers include lipid, epithelium, bone, cartilage, hair, fat, muscle, and nerve tissue. A mature teratoma usually forms in the gonads, either in the male testis or the female ovary. Teratomas have also been reported along the central axis of the body, including the sacrococcygeal region, mesentery, and adrenal glands [5,6]. Extragonadal abdominopelvic teratomas are quite rare, however, and occur in both sexes. Because they represent only 1–5% of GCT [7], some clinicians may not consider them as a possible diagnosis. Nevertheless, the radiological appearance of extragonadal abdominopelvic teratomas have unremarkable characteristics and similar features. Consequently, a better understanding of rare abdominopelvic teratomas will lead to improved radiological diagnoses and treatment, as well as the prevention of avoidable complications due to delayed diagnosis.