Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: a cutting edge overview on imaging features

Abstract

Mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is the most common neoplasm of the ovary and includes at least two well- differentiated germ cell layers. Different combinations of mature tissue derivatives with varying arrangements in the tumour cause a wide spectrum of radiological presentation ranging from a purely cystic mass to a complex cystic mass with a considerable solid component. In different imaging modalities, each radiological feature reflects a specific pathologic equivalent that forms because of diverse compositions of histological components. Understanding uncommon findings as well as the classic signs with basic knowledge of pathological equivalents permits a more accurate diagnosis and guides adequate treatment. In this review, radiological features of MCT in different imaging modalities (US, CT, MR imaging) including specific signs and useful radiological artefacts with brief emphasis on pathological basics are discussed. Teaching points • Ovarian mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) have a wide spectrum of radiological presentation.• Each radiological feature of MCT reflects a specific pathologic equivalent.• Understanding radiological signs with basic knowledge of pathology can permit a more accurate diagnosis.

Use of cancer antigen 125, cancer antigen 19‐9, and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio to diagnose mature cystic teratoma with torsion

“…Torsion is the most frequent complication of MCT, occurring among 15%–16% of all patients . Owing to a moderate volume and contents of varying density, the center of gravity of an MCT is usually biased to one side . Consequently, the tumor will twist when the patient undergoes physical activity, such as playing sport or changing posture during sexual intercourse.…”

The role of immunohistochemical examination in diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer in struma ovarii

“…Germ cell tumours are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms arising from primordial germ cells. The most common type of germ cell tumours are teratomas [1]. Struma ovarii (SO) is a monodermal germ cell tumour characterized by the presence of thyroid ©Polish Society for Histochemistry and Cytochemistry Folia Histochem Cytobiol.…”

Malignant Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor, Not Otherwise Specified, Causes Virilization in a 4-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…The differential diagnosis for pediatric ovarian tumors includes mature and immature teratomas, germ cell tumors, cystadenomas, and yolk sac tumors. Most pediatric ovarian tumors are mature teratomas, which have a wide spectrum of radiological presentation ranging from purely cystic masses to complex cystic masses with a considerable solid component, keratinoid material, hair, and tooth/calcification [12]. Mature teratoma is predictable due to its characteristic imaging findings, while a uniform inner structure suggests a malignant neoplasm such as immature teratoma or germ cell tumor.…”