A fetus with a mass in the oral cavity: a rare case of large oral immature teratoma

Abstract Introduction/Objective Oral teratoma is a rare congenital neoplastic lesion composed of variable amounts of all three germ cell layers, comprising 2-9% of all teratomas. Teratomas are classified into subtypes depending upon the presence of immature components. Sacrococcygeal and head and neck regions are the most common sites, with slight female predominance. Mortality increases if diagnosed in the fetal or neonatal period. Methods/Case Report We report a case of male fetus diagnosed radiologically as ultrasound at 20 weeks of gestation revealed abnormal facial characteristics. A huge lump protruding from face measuring 10.8 x 6.7 cm was observed. Grossly a grey-white, multilobulated lesion was seen with cystic spaces originating from midline soft palate. Histologically an immature teratoma comprising bone, skin adnexae, glandular tissue and immature neuroepithelial tissue was identified. The case was distinguished as immature teratoma of the oropharynx. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Prenatal diagnosis with modalities including ultrasound, MRI, alpha fetoprotein concentrations, fetoscopy and fetal karyotyping is possible in early pregnancy which can aid in risk stratification and planning therapeutic interventions. Delayed diagnosis and treatment increase the likelihood of malignant transformation. Intrapartum intubation and resection of the tumor at the time of the cesarean section has shown better outcomes. However, despite all efforts, survival rates are low.