Malignant Transformation of Primary Spinal Teratoma with Intracranial Metastasis: A Case Report and review of the literature

Abstract

Primary spinal teratoma is a rare disease, and there have been no reported cases of malignant transformation in the literature. We present a case of a 66-year-old female patient who had been experiencing numbness in her right lower limb. The patient underwent surgical resection. The pathological report confirmed a mature teratoma. However, at the 7th month after the surgery, the patient's tumor has recurred, leading to a second surgery. Postoperative pathology revealed malignant transformation of the teratoma into squamous carcinoma. Four months after the second surgery, the patient developed symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting. Head magnetic resonance imaging indicated multiple intracranial metastases. By summarizing the reports on this case and relevant literature, the aim is to provide corresponding guidance for clinical physicians.