Giant benign teratoma occupying the left hemithorax with pleural effusion: a rare presentation

Abstract

Mature teratomas are the third most common mediastinal tumors. Giant teratoma in pediatric population is rare. A resection of giant benign teratoma in left hemithorax was performed in a 4-year-old patient. The computed tomography scan showed the presence of a large multiloculated mediastinal mass extending to the left pleural space and pleural effusion. The patient underwent total resection of the mediastinal mass via a median sternotomy associated to left anterior thoracotomy. Entry into the pleural space was performed through the sixth intercostal space to obtain safe visualization of the cavity and proceed to tumor excision. The collapsed left lung was re-expanded, and the patient was extubated. Despite the size and the surrounding structures of the teratoma, our preoperative preparation and surgical technique were effective and resulted in favorable recovery without complications and a posterior normal left lung function.

Ruptured mediastinal mature teratoma with shigellosis empyema: A case report

“…Examination of tumor markers is one of the modalities that can differentiate between benign and malignant teratoma. In patients with benign mature mediastinal teratoma, serum levels of AFP and β-HCG are within the normal range [5] , [12] . Benign teratomas (pure mature teratomas) do not secrete AFP and β-HCG, so there is no increase in AFP and β-HCG levels in benign mature teratomas.…”