Metachronous bilateral ovarian teratoma: a germ-line familial disorder and review of surgical management options

Abstract

Background: Germ cell tumors in females are uncommon, and bilateral metachronous ovarian teratoma is even exceptional, with sporadic cases described in the literature.

Case: We report on a girl in whom a metachronous ovarian teratoma occurred 6 years after the first. The simultaneous onset of germ-line anomalies in other members of the family supports the existence of genetic or environmental factors conferring susceptibility to germ cell lesions.

Summary and conclusion: The case here illustrated reminds the issue of the appropriate follow-up of these patients and of their families.

Keywords: Bilateral ovarian teratoma; Familial germ-line tumor; Ovary-sparing surgery.