Complications of dermoid tumors of the ovary.

Abstract

There were 253 dermoid tumors of the ovary studied. Torsion of the pedicle with hemorrhagic infarction proved to be the most frequent complication; malignant change was the most lethal. Nine patients with malignant dermoid tumors, most of them with locally advanced disease, were treated with conservative surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. The longest known survivor lived 3 years; most patients died within a year. It was concluded that a more aggressive surgical approach might salvage some patients with locally advanced malignant disease.