Clinico-histopathological study of gonadal and extragonadal teratomas in tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: Teratomas are quite often seen in the gonadal region. As compared to gonadal teratoma extragonadal teratomas are very rare. They can be mature, immature, malignant or mixed germ cell tumor. Many a times they are missed clinically because of their rare locations that include retroperitoneum, sacrococcygeal, mediastinum, thyroid, eye, ear, and mesentery. In such locations the list of clinical differentials is long and it is difficult for the clinicians to make an accurate clinical diagnosis. Aims of the study were: to identify the different locations of extragonadal teratoma, to know the histological types of teratoma in different location, and to correlate histopathological diagnosis and clinico-radiological diagnosis. Methods: It is an observational descriptive study of histopathologically proven teratomas over a span of 2 years from July 2021 to July 2023. Results: Out of total 35 cases of teratomas, we had received 14 cases of extragonadal teratomas. The most common sites being sacrococcygeal region. They were most common in the paediatrics age group and most common sex involvement was of male. Conclusions: While interpreting the histopathological findings, a high index of suspicion for teratomas needs to be kept even if the site is not a gonadal location. Simple excision is a cure for this condition or else it may transform to malignancy.