Ovarian immature teratoma; report of four cases

Immature teratomas are rare malignant germ cell neoplasms accounting for less than 1% of all ovarian tumors. The aim of this study was to provide an updated overview on clinicopathological features, treatment and outcome of immature teratoma of the ovary. Our study group included four women aged between 20 and 49 years (mean = 29.5 years). The presenting clinical symptoms were dominated by pelvic pain (n=4), followed by perception of a pelvic mass (n=2) and altered general health (n=1). All patients underwent surgical resection of the tumor. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen established the diagnosis of high grade immature teratomas in all cases. Local recurrence of the tumor occurred in one case and one patient had hepatic metastases. The other two patients are still being followed-up. The majority of patients diagnosed with an immature teratoma are cured of their disease. However, grade 2 or 3 tumors are associated with a greater chance of recurrence that can be fatal, predominantly within 2 years of diagnosis.