Cervical Teratoma in an Adult Man: A Case Report Including Molecular Characterization and Discussion of Malignant Potential

Teratoma in the head and neck region is an extremely rare germ cell neoplasm composed of tissues from the three germ cell layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm). We present a report of a cystic neck teratoma in a 36-year-old man. The mass was excised following comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and surgical intervention. Histological examination revealed squamous epithelium, sebaceous glands, hair material, and disorganized smooth muscle bundles, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated a gain of chromosome 12p in 24% of nuclei. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of primary cervical teratoma, and subsequent testicular ultrasound excluded a gonadal primary. This report highlights the importance of integrating morphology and molecular testing within a multidisciplinary approach to adult neck masses. The rarity of this entity and the detection of a chromosome 12p alteration provide new insights into the molecular characteristics of adult neck teratomas and their potential biological behavior.