Trichoptysis: a pathognomonic presentation of anterior mediastinal teratoma

Germ cell tumours are usually found in the gonads, while the most common extragonadal site is the anterior mediastinum. When these tumours involve the tracheobronchial tree, patients present with trichoptysis or coughing up of hair. We present a rare case of a woman who presented with trichoptysis and was evaluated and diagnosed with benign mature teratoma of the anterior mediastinum with bronchopulmonary involvement. The patient underwent right anterolateral thoracotomy and complete surgical excision of the mass along with right upper bilobectomy. The patient is on regular follow-up and is asymptomatic.