Ovarian Fetiform Teratoma in a 17-Year-Old Adolescent Girl

Abstract

Fetiform teratoma, also recognized as a homunculus, is a largely uncommon form of mature cystic teratoma. Here, we present the case of a 17-year-old single female who presented to the emergency department complaining of abdominal distension and pain for four months. Abdominal examination revealed a left-sided mass. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a multi-loculated and multi-septated left cystic ovarian mass, suspicious for a teratoma. The patient underwent laparoscopy and a left cystectomy was performed. The final histopathologic diagnosis was consistent with fetiform teratoma. Although extremely rare, ovarian fetiform teratoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women presenting with an abdominopelvic mass. It should be discerned from fetus-in-fetu and ectopic pregnancy. Careful clinical presentation, laboratory testing for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, histopathologic examination, and cytogenetic analysis can greatly aid in pinpointing the diagnosis. Overall, fetiform teratoma carries a favorable prognosis; however, follow-up surveillance is advised to monitor for uncommon occasions of tumor persistence or relapse.