Cause:Benign transformation of germ cell after first meiotic division

Pathophys:Contain ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal elements

Most common in young reproductive females; 15% of all ovarian tumors, 20-40% of all ovarian tumors of pregnancy

Sx:Pain with hemorrhage into tumor, with torsion, or rupture; usually asx

Si:Pelvic mass; 10-20% are bilateral

R/o ovarian cancer; dysgerminoma similar to male seminoma (Testicular Carcinomas (Seminoma, Embryonal [Germ] Cell Carcinoma, Teratoma, Choriocarcinoma)); thyrotoxicosis from proliferation of thyroid elements (struma ovarii); carcinoid sx also possible but rarer

Lab:Path:Bone, teeth, etc (all 3 layers of embryonal tissues)

Xray:

KUB may show bone, teeth, etc

Ultrasound usually diagnostic

Rx: Surgery; any teratoma with mature elements can be assumed to be benign and rx'd with simple ovarian cystectomy so both ovaries are preserved