Primary teratoma of the adrenal gland: a case report

BACKGROUND: Teratomas are unusual tumors derived from multiple germ layers but they usually arise from all three germ layers. Knowledge of this disease is still very limited because of its low incidence. Retroperitoneal teratomas are extremely rare neoplasms, especially adrenal teratomas, which frequently found to be large, cystic or cyst-solid lesions. Adrenal teratomas are easily confused with various benign or malignant tumors, such as myelolipomas, adenomas, and hamartomas. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this case presentation, we report a rare case in which an adrenal gland mass without apparent discomfort was detected by abdominal computed tomography (CT) for 6 months in a 59-year-old female. Results from the patient’s adrenal hormonal evaluation were normal. An abdominal enhanced CT scan revealed a heterogeneous mass in the right adrenal gland. The patient then underwent a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy and the lesion was diagnosed as mature teratoma through histopathological examination. The patient recovered well without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our knowledge, surgical resection is the first-choice intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of mature teratoma. Open surgery is the preferred method for the large tumors, while the laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be a better option in the small one. The patient’s prognosis is usually good after complete resection, but close follow-up is also recommended.