Retroperitoneal teratoma. Review of the literature and presentation of an unusual case

Abstract

A review of the literature reveals that 29 cases have been published since the reviews of Arnheim* and Palumbo.* These cases substantiate the preponderance in early life and the similarity of symptoms, site of origin, and low rate of malignancy; however, the previously reported sex difference is not substantiated and a marked improvement in operative mortality is noted. The case presented is of interest because of the radiographic abnormalities which it demonstrates, which led to the preoperative diagnosis of teratoma.