Retinal tissue in mature cystic teratoma of ovary presenting with full-term pregnancy

Abstract

Mature cystic teratomas are benign ovarian neoplasms which account for around 95% of all ovarian germ cell tumours and contain tissues derived from two or three embryonic germ layers. These tumours are frequently diagnosed in women of reproductive age group and can result in fetomaternal distress if concurrent pregnancy occurs. The authors describe a case of successful natural pregnancy in a 30-year-old woman with coexisting mature cystic teratoma of ovary that culminated in viable childbirth at term. Subsequent histopathological examination of the tumour revealed a mature teratoma composed predominantly of ectodermal elements along with retinal tissues--a rare finding that prompted this case report.

Figure 1

Intraoperative photograph of gravid uterus (yellow arrow) alongside the ovarian tumour (blue arrow) having glistening intact capsule and tortuous vessels on the surface.

Figure 2

Gross picture showing opened up thin-walled unilocular cyst (left) and its content—yellowish sebaceous material and tufts of hairs (right).

Figure 3

H&E stained sections from the tumour showing (A) Cyst wall lined by keratinised stratified squamous epithelium with hair follicles, sebaceous glands, adipose tissue and smooth muscle bundles (×40). (B) Melanin loaded elongated cells resembling retinal pigment epithelium merging with glial tissue and blood vessels (×40). (C) Higher magnification of the retinal anlage and pigment epithelium (×100). (D) Neuroglial tissue with cell bodies of neurons (×100).