Malignant teratoma of the nasal cavity

A case of malignant teratoma of the nasal cavity in an adult is presented. Histologically, the tumor consisted of mesenchymal malignant structures in addition to entodermal and ectodermal malignant elements. Whereas surgical treatment of the primary tumor has been generally considered preferred, this patient was given a full course of radiation therapy alone to the primary lesion. There is no clinical evidence of tumor 5 years following diagnosis. Three years following treatment of the primary tumor, neck lymph node metastasis appeared contralaterally. Management of this problem was with radical neck dissection followed by postoperative radiotherapy. Function of the eyes, nose, and paranasal sinuses remains normal. A review of the literature suggests that radiotherapy is of little value in the management of malignant teratomas. This case demonstrates an opposite point of view.