Primary retroperitoneal teratomas: A review of the literature

Abstract

Teratomas are uncommon neoplasms comprised of mixed dermal elements derived from the three germ cell layers. Historically, teratomas were attributed to demons, sexual misconduct, and abnormal fertilization. They attract attention because of their bizarre histology and gross appearance. While the majority of teratomas present congenitally in the sacrococcygeal region, within the ovaries of adolescent females and within the testes of young men, they have been identified throughout the body. Extragonadal teratomas tend to occur in midline structures as the anterior mediastinum, retroperitoneum, sacrococcygeal region, and pineal gland. Retroperitoneal teratomas represent only 1-11% of primary retroperitoneal tumors. Incidence is bimodal with peaks in the first 6 months of life and in early adulthood. Due to their location, they are usually identified only after they have grown to huge proportions. There is a 25% chance of malignancy. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of therapy and is required for definitive diagnosis. This article reviews the literature on the histopathology, classification, genetic abnormalities, and theories of origin of teratomas as well as the presentation, diagnosis, and management of retroperitoneal teratomas.

Sacrococcygeal teratomas: clinico-pathological characteristics and isochromosome 12p status

“…6 This places teratomas of the anterior mediastinum as a prognostically intermediate group between teratomas of the testes and those of the ovary. The data are largely lacking for other anatomic sites including the retroperitoneum, 10 sacrum and coccyx, particularly in adults; perhaps questionably, clinical decisions are currently made based on extrapolations from what is known about gonadal teratomas or a handful of case reports. Sacrococcygeal teratomas are most commonly seen as congenital neoplasms with an incidence of B1:35 000-40 000 of live births.…”

Süt Çocuğunda Aganglionik Kolon Ansı Yapan Teratom: Olgu Sunumu

“…They arise in the midline or paraaxial regions such as at the sacrococcygeal area 57%, gonads 29%, mediastinum 7%, retroperitoneum 4%, and cervix 3% (5). Retroperitoneal teratomas comprise 1% to 11% of primary retroperitoneal neoplasms and are the third most common retroperitoneal tumor in children after neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumor (6). These tumors consist of maturely differentiated derivatives of all three germ cell layers, the ectodermal layer being most prominent.…”

Retroperitoneal Mature Cystic Terratoma

“…Incidence is bimodal with peaks in the first 6 months of life and in early adulthood. Due to their location, they are usually identified only after they have grown to huge proportions [6] . Additionally, the incidence of retroperitoneal teratomas in females is twice that in males.…”

“…These imaging studies also can display the precise location, morphology, and adjacent structures of the tumor, which provide better preoperative planning and increased likelihood of complete removal of the tumor with less iatrogenic damage [4] . Surgical resection remains the mainstay of therapy for mature teratomas and is required for definitive diagnosis [6] . Resectability is determined by pathologic category and extent of tumor.…”