Collision tumors of the ovary associated with teratoma: clues to the correct preoperative diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose: Collision tumors represent a coexistence of two adjacent but histologically distinct tumors without histologic admixture in an organ. The purpose of this study was to describe the imaging findings of collision tumors of the ovary associated with teratoma and to look for clues that might lead to the correct preoperative diagnosis.

Method: Seven pathologically proven cases of collision tumor of the ovary associated with teratoma were retrospectively reviewed. Ovarian teratomas were coexistent with mucinous cystadenoma (n = 4), borderline mucinous tumor (n = 1), mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (n = 1), and dysgerminoma (n = 1). US (n = 5), CT (n = 3), and/or MRI (n = 4) findings were evaluated.

Results: In addition to the typical findings of teratoma, the mass contained a multiloculated cystic portion filled with nonfatty fluid, suggesting the coexistent epithelial tumor in five cases. In one case, the mass contained a large solid component, suggesting the possibility of collision tumor. In the remaining one case, coexistent small mucinous cystadenoma could not be identified.

Conclusion: Preoperative imaging for ovarian teratoma revealed a collision tumor in six of seven cases. The possibility of a collision tumor should be considered when an ovarian teratoma has imaging findings that cannot be explained solely by an ovarian teratoma.