Large benign cystic teratoma of the ovary: a case report

Abstract

Cystic teratoma is the most common ovarian germ cell tumour. It is made up of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm that eventually become hair, muscle, teeth, or bone. These tumors are usually benign. A 30-year-old para 6+0 with 2 living children, presented to the gynaecological clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa with complaints of abdominal swelling of four-year duration. Physical examination revealed a young woman, in no obvious distress. Her abdomen was uniformly enlarged, moved with respiration and non-tender, smooth, firm, mobile in two planes and not attached to underlying structures or overlying skin. It was dull to percussion, and there was ascites demonstrable by fluid thrill. Report of abdominopelvic ultrasound scan revealed a huge cystic mass arising from the right adnexae, and extending into the abdomen. She subsequently had right ovarian cystectomy, and was discharged home on the 3rd day post-operation. Histopathology report revealed a diagnosis of benign cystic teratoma. She is presently on follow-up. Ovarian cyst is commoner among the women of reproductive age-group. Routine pelvic examination is advised to enable early detection and prompt management of this condition. Prognosis is usually good when the cyst is benign.