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Teratoma occupying the left hemithorax
Charalambos Zisis1, Dimitra Rontogianni, Grigorios Stratakos
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens. chzisis@otenet.gr
World Journal of Surgical Oncology
|November 24, 2005
Summary
A rare benign teratoma caused total left lung atelectasis in a 40-year-old female. Surgical resection was successful, offering an excellent prognosis for this mediastinal tumor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Teratomas exhibit diverse clinical and radiological presentations, often found incidentally.
- Benign teratomas, specifically dermoid cysts, can present asymptomatically or with significant symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of a large, benign teratoma causing significant pulmonary compromise.
- To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of mediastinal teratomas.
Main Methods:
- A 40-year-old female with recurrent pulmonary infections, cough, and dyspnea was evaluated.
- Diagnostic imaging included chest X-ray, CT scan, and MRI to assess a large mediastinal mass.
- The patient underwent left thoracotomy for complete tumor resection.
Main Results:
- A huge mediastinal teratoma was identified, causing total left lung atelectasis and compressing vital structures.
- Despite its large size and adherence to the left pulmonary artery and bronchus, no vascular or airway invasion occurred.
- Histological examination confirmed a benign teratoma.
Conclusions:
- Teratomas are heterogeneous tumors diagnosed predominantly in young adults, with variable presentations.
- This case is notable for the teratoma causing complete lung atelectasis and delayed symptom onset.
- Complete surgical resection is curative for this type of teratoma, with an excellent prognosis.