II. Definitions
- Teratoma
- Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor
- Pluripotent cells, containing various germ cell origins (endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm)
- Found in the Testis, ovary as well as extra-genital sights (e.g. CNS, mediastinum, lung, Stomach, Sacrum)
- Mature Teratomas contain well-differentiated adult type tissues (e.g. calcified teeth, hair)
- Immature Teratomas contain fetal type tissues
- Teratomas may be benign or malignant
- Benign Ovarian Teratoma
- Benign ovarian germ cell tumor
- Dermoid Ovarian Cyst (Mature Ovarian Teratoma)
- Type of Ovarian Cystic Teratoma, typically unilateral
- Presents as Ovarian Mass often with sebaceous material, hair, calcified teeth, fat, bone, Muscle and other tissue
- Mature Ovarian Teratomas without fetal tissue types are benign in most cases (>98%)
- Dermoid Skin Cyst
- Teratomas are referred to as Dermoid Cysts when they occur in infants and children
- Skin dermoids are typically found in the periorbital region, but may occur in the head or neck
- Dermoid Cysts are subcutaneous lesions containing a mix of keratin, Sebaceous Glands, hair
- Left untreated as children, risk of craniofacial extension in adulthood
- Pryor (2005) Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 132(6): 938-42 [PubMed]
III. Imaging: Ultrasound findings
- Ovarian Mass with hyperechoic area with acoustic shadow
- Fluid-fluid level with echogenic fluid above
- Hyperechoic lines and spots (dermoid mesh)