Mediastinal Teratoma With Endocrine Function

Primary germ cell tumors of the mediastinum

“…Nonetheless, such tumors have also been described in other locations, such as the pineal gland, retroperitoneum, mediastinum, and sacral area 2‐4. Germ cell tumors arising primarily in the mediastinum are uncommon and have mostly been the subject of case reports; very few comprehensive studies on this topic have been reported in the literature 2, 4‐103. It has been estimated in some studies that extragonadal germ cell tumors account for approximately 1‐15% of mediastinal tumors in adults and approximately 25% in children 21, 59, 60, 104…”

Physiological activity in mediastinal teratomata.

“…Gynaecomastia caused by a malignant mediastinal teratoma producing chorionic gonadotrophin has been described (Rubush et al, 1973). Hypersecretion of insulin has been reported in a benign mediastinal teratoma which contained pancreatic tissue (Honicky and de Papp, 1973). It is not surprising, therefore, that the exocrine function of pancreatic tissue also occurs, as appears to have happened, with unfortunate consequences, in the cases described.…”

Malignant mediastinal teratoma in a 15-year-old girl

“…l When functioning endocrine tissue is present, metabolic abnormalities may dominate the clinical picture. 7 Initial presentation in the patient described herein was ascites and minimal respiratory distress. X-ray examination showed tooth-like calcifications in a mediastinal mass, and the preoperative diagnosis of a benign well-differentiated mediastinal teratoma with inferior vena caval obstruction was entertained.…”