Managing growing teratoma syndrome: new insights and clinical applications

• Published in: Future science OA 2019-10, Vol.5 (9)
• Main Authors: Saso, Srdjan, Galazis, Nicolas, Iacovou, Christos, Kappatou, Kleio, Tzafetas, Menelaos, Jones, Benjamin, Yazbek, Joseph, Lathouras, Konstantinos, Anderson, Jonathan, Jiao, Long R, Smith, Richard J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report; chemotherapy; immature teratoma; mature teratoma; oncology
• ISSN: 2056-5623; 2056-5623
• DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0075

Although a recognized condition, growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) has no guidelines for management, and patients diagnosed with the condition are managed empirically by the most appropriate teams. We report a case of GTS in a 33-year-old patient who was initially treated with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and subsequent chemotherapy for a germ cell ovarian tumor. GTS was subsequently diagnosed with massive pelvic and upper abdominal masses as well as lung tumors. We also conducted a literature review on cases of GTS presenting with large tumors. Based on this, we suggest a management plan to guide the care of women with GTS. The condition is best managed in a multidisciplinary team involving the relevant surgeons, including gynecologist, abdominal and thoracic surgeons. Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a rare but recognized condition presenting with an abdominal mass in a woman with history of malignant ovarian tumor treated with chemotherapy. There are no established guidelines for the management of women diagnosed with GTS. We report a case of GTS in a 33-year-old patient requiring major abdominal and thoracic surgery. We also review the literature on previously published cases of GTS and propose a management plan to guide clinicians looking after women with GTS. Collaboration between different surgeons including gynecologists, abdominal and thoracic surgeons as well as radiologists and oncologist should be sought.