Primary retroperitoneal mature teratoma in a young female: Case report

Introduction and importance: Teratomas are nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. Retroperitoneal teratoma is uncommon, especially in adults. Surgical excision the main stay of therapy for mature teratoma and also it the way for defnitive diagnosis.

Case presentation: This case report discuss a 20 year old female patient who presented with long standing abdominal pain. On abdominal examination there was firm, immobile huge mass irregular mass involving left lower and upper abdomen crossing the midline. The ultrasound and CT scan was suggestive of retroperitoneal teratoma. Preoperative CA19.9 was elevated, which drop significantly postoperatively. Patient was explored and complete tumor resection is done. The biopsy confirms mature teratoma. The postoperative follow up was unremarkable.

Clinical discussion: Retroperitoneal teratomas are very rare in adults and only few cases have been reported in literature. Primary retroperitoneal teratomas (PRT) are rare, with incidence of 1 %-11 %. Imaging has vital role for diagnosis of retroperitoneal. Tumor markers can be elevated in PRT. Most mature teratomas are benign in nature. Surgical excision is necessary for definitive diagnosis and it is main stay of management for retroperitoneal teratoma.

Conclusion: Preoperative Imaging is important not only for diagnosis but also for preoperative planning. Surgical resection is the main stay of management for mature retroperitoneal teratoma. Despite its benign nature mature retroperitoneal teratoma need close follow up, because of its low risk of malignant transformation.