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Updated: May 7, 2026
Teratoma Generation in the Testis Capsule
Published on: November 7, 2011
Delayed diagnosis of infected posterior mediastinal teratoma
Kr Bharath Kumar Reddy1, G Rajashekhar Murthy, Sanjay Ks
1Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore.
Insights
Mediastinal teratomas are rare in children. This case highlights a delayed diagnosis of an infected posterior mediastinal teratoma initially misdiagnosed as empyema thoracis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Mediastinal teratomas are uncommon germ cell tumors in pediatric patients.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to complications and prolonged treatment.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old presented with symptoms initially treated as empyema thoracis for 18 months.
- CT imaging revealed a cystic lesion with fat, bone, and teeth, indicative of teratoma.
Findings:
- Surgical excision confirmed an infected posterior mediastinal teratoma.
- Histopathology provided definitive diagnosis.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing complex pediatric mediastinal masses.
- Highlights the need for considering rare diagnoses even with initial apparent diagnoses.
- Underscores the potential for teratomas to mimic infections like empyema thoracis.
Abstract:
Mediastinal teratomas are rarely reported in children. We report a 12-year-old child, diagnosed and treated as empyema thoracis in a peripheral setting for 18 months. In our centre, CT scan performed revealed a well circumscribed multiloculated cystic lesion containing fat, bone and teeth, suggestive of a teratoma. The mass was excised and found to be an infected posterior mediastinal teratoma, confirmed on histopathology.
