Abstract
ABSTRACT
Teratomas are germ cell neoplasias consisting of tissue from the three layers of the developing embryo (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm). These tumors are most commonly found within the ovary; extra-ovarian mature teratomas in adults are considered to be rare. A 64-year-old woman, gravida 4 para 4, had an 8×7 cm solid pelvic mass posterior to the uterus by examination and radiologic studies. On exploratory laparotomy, an extra-ovarian mature teratoma arising from the peritoneum in the posterior cul de sac was found. This is the first reported case of extra-ovarian mature teratoma arising from the peritoneum in the posterior cul de sac. Even though extra-ovarian teratomas are rare in adults, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a woman with a pelvic mass of unclear origin. (J GYNECOL SURG 15:159, 1999)
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.