The sonographically solid appearing benign cystic teratoma

The sonographic appearance of 6 solid benign cystic teratomas (in 5 patients) was reviewed. Three of these tumors were difficult to identify due to the presence of acoustical shadowing obscuring the posterior portions of the tumors. This appearance was mistaken ultrasonically for bowel gas. The tumors were diagnosed by abdominal radiographs showing calcifications, teeth and/or radiolucency due to fat. With the presence of a clinically palpable pelvic mass in a young woman, and an apparently normal sonogram, an abdominal radiograph should be considered to look for evidence of a benign cystic teratoma.