A LARGE RETROPERITONEAL EXTRA-GONADAL MATURE DERMOID TUMOUR IN A 16 YEAR OLD FEMALE — A RARE CASE REPORT drprashantupadhyay16@gmail.com

 

A LARGE RETROPERITONEAL EXTRA-GONADAL MATURE DERMOID TUMOUR IN A 16 YEAR OLD FEMALE — A RARE CASE REPORT

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India

Poster with Discussion

Dermoid tumours, also known as mature cystic teratomas, are benign germ cell tumours composed of elements from all three germ layers—ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. While commonly found in the gonads, their occurrence in the retroperitoneum is extremely rare, especially in females.

We report the case of a 16-year-old female who presented with a two-year history of left-sided abdominal swelling and intermittent mild abdominal pain. Clinical examination revealed a firm, non-tender, immobile lobulated mass extending from the left hypochondrium to the hypogastrium, involving multiple abdominal quadrants. No prior surgical history or significant family history was noted. The patient reported normal bowel and bladder habits, with the exception of menstrual irregularity occurring six months prior.

Ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen revealed a large, multiloculated complex cystic mass with multiple calcific foci. The mass exerted pressure on the left kidney and ureter, causing mild hydroureteronephrosis, while displacing bowel loops to the right. Bilateral ovaries were normal, and the mass was abutting the left ovary without involving it. The patient underwent successful midline laparotomy with complete excision of the 26 × 16 cm mass, which contained hair, bone, cartilage, and caseous material. Histopathological examination confirmed a mature cystic teratoma with no malignant features. The post-operative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on post-operative day six. She remained asymptomatic at one-month follow-up.

This case highlights the rare occurrence of an extra-gonadal retroperitoneal dermoid tumour, which despite its size and mass effect, may present with minimal or no urinary symptoms.