NMA/AGSM/2025/PUBH/004- Gonadal and Extra Gonadal Teratoma

Abstract

Background: Teratomas are germ cell tumours that generally arise in the gonads, can present at any age, although several cases are reported in the extra gonadal sites. They originate from totipotent germ cells and consist of well-differentiated tissue from at least one of the three germ cell layers i.e. ectoderm, mesoderm & endoderm and occur most frequently in the ovary or testis (gonadal), gonadal teratomas are well described, however, the extragonadal variants are underrepresented in the literature. Extragonadal teratomas are rare and believed to originate along the migration route of germ cells during embryogenesis.

Objective: To determine the frequency and histopathological classification of Gonadal and Extra-gonadal teratoma in Federal Teaching Hospital katsina and compare it with other centers.

Method: This is a retrospective study in which surgical biopsy specimen seen over 5 years period were reviewed with respect to age, sex, site and histopathological characteristics.

Result: A total case of 51 teratomas were diagnosed within the period. Which constitute 43 (84%) gonadal and 8 (16%) Extra-gonadal. Extra-gonadal 8 (16%) occur in male while Gonadal 43(84%) in females. The histological types are mature teratomas 48(94%), monodermal 2(4%) and immature teratoma 1(2%). Extra-gonadal (sacrococcygeal region) is common in first decade 8 (16%), while Gonadal in the 3^rd decade of life 13(27%) with mature cystic teratoma as the common histological type 45(94%) respectively.

Conclusion: Gonadal and Mature cystic teratomas were common in our environment, although cases are seen in the extra gonadal sites and affect children and women in the first and third decades of life.