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Case Reports
. 2022 Aug;11(8):2985-2989.
doi: 10.21037/tcr-21-2913.

Primary teratoma of the adrenal gland: a case report

Xiaocheng Ma  1   2 , Zongsu Zhang  1 , Simeng Wen  1 , Changyi Quan  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Primary teratoma of the adrenal gland: a case report

Xiaocheng Ma et al. Transl Cancer Res. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Teratomas are unusual tumors derived from multiple germ layers but they usually arise from all three germ layers. Knowledge of this disease is still very limited because of its low incidence. Retroperitoneal teratomas are extremely rare neoplasms, especially adrenal teratomas, which frequently found to be large, cystic or cyst-solid lesions. Adrenal teratomas are easily confused with various benign or malignant tumors, such as myelolipomas, adenomas, and hamartomas.

Case description: In this case presentation, we report a rare case in which an adrenal gland mass without apparent discomfort was detected by abdominal computed tomography (CT) for 6 months in a 59-year-old female. Results from the patient's adrenal hormonal evaluation were normal. An abdominal enhanced CT scan revealed a heterogeneous mass in the right adrenal gland. The patient then underwent a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy and the lesion was diagnosed as mature teratoma through histopathological examination. The patient recovered well without any complications.

Conclusions: Based on our knowledge, surgical resection is the first-choice intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of mature teratoma. Open surgery is the preferred method for the large tumors, while the laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be a better option in the small one. The patient's prognosis is usually good after complete resection, but close follow-up is also recommended.

Keywords: Teratoma; adrenal; adrenalectomy; case report.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://tcr.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/tcr-21-2913/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CT features of the mass in the right adrenal gland. CT scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass measuring 6 cm by 5 cm with a small cystic area, fat, and calcification. No obvious contrast enhancement was located in the right adrenal gland. CT, computed tomography.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Macroscopic and microscopic picture of the tumor. (A) Tumor specimen. Calcification, hair, and lipid can be seen in the teratoma; (B) pathological examination (H&E staining, ×200). H&E, hematoxylin and eosin.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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