Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising From a Mature Cystic Teratoma of the Ovary: A Case Report

Germ cell tumors represent 20-25% of ovarian tumors, and 95% of them are benign. The most frequent type is the mature benign teratoma (dermoid cysts). The proportion of cases in which malignancy occurs is 0.17-2%. Seventy-five percent to 90% of malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). We present a case of squamous cell carcinoma originating from a mature cystic teratoma that was diagnosed after intraoperative pathology study in a 64-year-old woman who consulted for an adnexal tumor causing abdominal pain. Laparoscopic surgery was scheduled, describing an enlarged right ovary (13 cm) which was included in the ipsilateral broad ligament and adhered to the posterior aspect of the uterus in its distal third as well as the rectum. It was converted to laparotomy and we performed a hysterectomy + double anexectomy + omentectomy + resection of sigma with end-to-end anastomosis after intraoperative pathological study reported for malignancy compatible with squamous cell carcinoma. It was labeled as FIGO III stage. Chemotherapy was decided as adjuvant therapy with carboplatin + paclitaxel (Carbo-Taxol) scheme. We review the existing literature to provide evidence on a rare pathology with important repercussions for our patients.