Growing teratoma syndrome: diagnostic challenges and outcomes

• Published in: Archives of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 310; no. 3; pp. 1729 - 1732
• Main Authors: Gracia Segovia, Myriam, Cristóbal Quevedo, Ignacio, Zapardiel Gutiérrez, Ignacio, Hernández Gutiérrez, Alicia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.09.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdomen; Archives & records; Biopsy; Case reports; Chemotherapy; Endocrinology; Gynecology; Hospitals; Human Genetics; Images in Obstetrics and Gynecology; Medical imaging; Medical personnel; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Obstetrics; Obstetrics/Perinatology/Midwifery; Oncology; Ovarian cancer; Patients; Surgery; Transplants & implants; Tumors; Immature teratoma; Abdominal wall; Oncology; Growing teratoma syndrome
• ISSN: 1432-0711; 0932-0067; 1432-0711
• DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07679-9

Purpose The aim of this case report is to emphasize the significance of the growing teratoma syndrome. Growing teratoma syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed due to its low prevalence, with an estimated incidence of 19% among all immature ovarian teratomas and a lack of experience among healthcare professionals. It is characterized by the growth of benign tumoral tissue during or after chemotherapy for malignant germ cell tumors. Case report Our case is about a 46-year-old patient diagnosed with an immature teratoma who was treated unsuccessfully with surgery and chemotherapy. The patient was then referred to our hospital for a second opinion, where this unknown entity was diagnosed and underwent complete surgical debulking, including abdominal wall resection and subsequent repair. Conclusion Physicians need to be aware of rapidly growing masses during or after chemotherapy because early recognition of this syndrome is essential for the adequate treatment of our patients.