[Giant primary retroperitoneal teratoma--case report and review of the literature]

Teratomas are germ cell tumors of a nonseminomatous type. Their incidence is characterized with a bimodal curve, but basically they are a pathology of the small age. Primary localization in the retroperitoneal space is seen in over 40% of cases with teratoma. Preoperative differentiation from other bulky pathologic processes in this region presents a challenge to the surgeon. An interesting case of a primary retroperitoneal teratoma in a 23 year old male is presented and a review of the literature is done.