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CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Most mature cystic teratomas of the ovary occur in women of reproductive age and usually present with abdominal pain or symptoms related to the mass. Many cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on imaging studies. About 10% are bilateral.
Complications can occur, including torsion, rupture, infection, virilization, or development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Somatic teratomatous tissues can undergo malignant transformation in older patients and in those with large tumors. Rare patients develop a paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis discussed in the next image.
About this image: A close-up of the previous image showing a tooth and hair strands. The teeth are sometimes accompanied by rudimentary mandible or maxilla. In addition to these structures, bone, cartilage, fat, and brain tissue may be seen grossly. Image courtesy of Steve O'Connor, MD, Houston, Texas. Used with permission.
Complications can occur, including torsion, rupture, infection, virilization, or development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Somatic teratomatous tissues can undergo malignant transformation in older patients and in those with large tumors. Rare patients develop a paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis discussed in the next image.
About this image: A close-up of the previous image showing a tooth and hair strands. The teeth are sometimes accompanied by rudimentary mandible or maxilla. In addition to these structures, bone, cartilage, fat, and brain tissue may be seen grossly. Image courtesy of Steve O'Connor, MD, Houston, Texas. Used with permission.