Ovarian dermoid presenting as acute intestinal obstruction: a rare case report and review of literature

Mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts) are benign tumors found in a variety of locations including the gonads, central nervous system, head and neck and retro peritoneum. They develop from totipotent germ cells and can give rise to a diverse array of mature tissue types resulting in the frequent finding of structures such as hair, bone, teeth, fat and neural tissue. Dermoid cysts of the ovary represent the most common form of benign ovarian tumor. 2 Benign cystic teratomas of the ovary have been reported in wide age groups ranging from 1 to 91 years. They are the most commonly neoplasm detected in adolescents and during pregnancy. These are usually asymptomatic until they grow to a large size or produce complications. 3 In 0.1-0.2% of cases, it may undergo malignant transformation. 4