A mature cystic teratoma adherent to the vaginal wall: a case report

Abstract

We present the case of a woman diagnosed with a teratoma adherent to the vaginal wall. The patient had been misdiagnosed with an ovarian teratoma 8 years previously at her local hospital, but no mass was found in the pelvic cavity during cesarean section. She therefore attended our institution for further examination. Transvaginal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) revealed a large mass on the left side at the bottom of the pelvis, near the side of the vagina, mainly composed of greasy and cystic elements. Gynecological examination showed the mass protruding into the left side of the vaginal wall. The patient therefore underwent vaginal wall incision. During surgery, we found a mass adherent to the vaginal wall, located on the left front of the rectum. Surgery was completed successful with no complications. This case highlights the need for careful preoperative evaluation of teratomas with unusual locations. MRI and CT may be useful for identifying the origin of the tumor and determining its relationship with the surrounding tissues. Surgery should be based on the characteristics and anatomical location of the tumor to minimize damage to other tissues and organs.