Mature Teratoma of the Neck: A Case Report

Background: Teratomas are unusual tumors originating from primordial germ cells that undergo arrest during migration from the hindgut allantois to the gonads in the early weeks of gestational life. These tumors are derived from all three germ cell layers—endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm—and may manifest as mature or immature, characterized by their midline presentation. Cervical teratomas are exceptionally rare and pose significant challenges due to their impact on the patient's prognosis, often resulting in the compression of vital organs, leading to difficulties in breathing and feeding. Case Presentation: A female infant, aged 6 months, was brought to the emergency department by her parents. She manifested a lateral neck swelling apparent since birth, progressively increasing in size and causing difficulties in breastfeeding and slight respiratory distress. There was no medical history of previous hospitalization. The management approach involved the performance of a wide local excision of the mass, followed by subsequent histological analysis. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering mature teratomas in the differential diagnosis of cystic neck masses, despite their epidemiological rareness. Maintaining a high index of suspicion is crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis, ensuring appropriate management for improved patient outcomes.