Urogenital ImagingTeratoma, ovarian
may be
benign or
malignant. Concerning
benign ovarian teratomas, see
dermoid cyst ovarian.
Malignant (immature) teratomas are characterized by the presence of a wide variety of embryonic tissue elements in varying stages of differentiation.
Calcified components may be present. This
tumour accounts for under 1% of all ovarian cancers, but for 10-20% of ovarian cancers in females under the age of 20 years, because most cases occur in the first two decades. The
tumour is usually a solid lobulated mass containing numerous small cysts, but is occasionally predominantly
cystic. True bilateral disease is rare, occurring in under 5% of cases, but sometimes a dermoid
cyst is present in the contralateral ovary. Treatment usually consists of unilateral salphingo-oophorectomy (since the
tumour is usually unilateral and occurs at an age when preservation of fertility is desirable), and chemotherapy. Prognosis depends on both
tumour stage and grade. Imaging findings are those of a nonspecific ovarian mass, which is usually predominantly solid.
Calcification may be present. Evidence of peritoneal or nodal metastases may be seen in advanced cases.
HH