Publication:

A unique case of a giant anterior mediastinal teratoma extending into right hemithorax in an adult male: a case report

Teratomas are unusual, benign germ cell tumours. Teratomas most frequently are located in the anterior mediastinum as extra-gonadal location. Early detection and timely surgical intervention can symptomatically improve the patient. We hereby describe the case of a, male patient aged 21 years who had dyspnoea and a prolonged productive cough for 2 months. A large, well-circumscribed mass in anterior mediastinum associated with calcifications was discovered during imaging studies, which included a chest CT scan with contrast and a chest X-ray of size   22×10×8 cm. The patient underwent right thoracotomy with resection of mediastinal tumour, and the diagnosis was validated by histopathological analysis. The patient recovered without complications and was discharged in a stable state. Because of their varied imaging features and vague symptoms, mediastinal mature cystic teratomas are difficult to diagnose. The best line of management is surgical excision.