Mediastinal mature cystic teratoma in a child: A case report study

Mediastinal teratoma in children: A case series of misdiagnoses in a high-endemic tuberculosis setting

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Mediastinal teratoma is a rare extragonadal teratoma that frequently manifests with non-specific symptoms and is commonly misdiagnosed, particularly in Indonesia, where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic.

CASE PRESENTATION

Herein, we present two cases of children aged 19 months and 17 years old who were referred with chronic nonspecific symptoms of cough, tachypnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis. Both children were initially diagnosed with TB and both completed anti-tuberculosis treatment. After visiting several healthcare facilities, a mediastinal mass was finally diagnosed and they all underwent thoracotomy without any further complication. The histopathology findings revealed mature teratoma. All patients had satisfactory outcomes at follow-up visits.

CLINICAL DISCUSSIONS

Patients presented with non-specific symptoms are often clinically diagnosed with TB. However, primary healthcare doctors should consider other differential diagnoses when a child has non-specific respiratory symptoms, especially when chest X-ray findings are nonspecific and TB workup is negative.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of mediastinal masses is still challenging in Indonesia, as the diagnosis requires a vast array of work-up examinations, therefore, early recognition and referral are crucial for management.

Mature Cystic Teratoma of Anterior Mediastinum in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review

Mediastinal mature cystic teratomas are rare benign germ cell tumors that predominantly affect children. Despite their low incidence, they present unique diagnostic and management challenges. Early recognition and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes. This case report aims to highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of mediastinal mature cystic teratomas in pediatric patients. We present the case of a 10-year-old female patient who presented with persistent chest pain and dyspnea. Imaging studies, including a chest X-ray and contrast-enhanced chest CT scan, revealed a large, well-circumscribed anterior mediastinal mass with calcifications. The patient underwent a right thoracotomy, resulting in the excision of a 6 × 5 × 5 cm mature cystic teratoma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged in stable condition. Mediastinal mature cystic teratomas pose diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific symptoms and heterogeneous imaging characteristics. Differential diagnosis includes other mediastinal masses containing fat and calcifications. Surgical excision is the preferred treatment, although complete removal can be challenging due to adhesions to neighboring structures. Close follow-up is necessary to monitor for recurrence and complications. Mediastinal mature cystic teratomas are rare tumors with variable clinical presentations. Early detection and surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes. These tumors should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for mediastinal masses in pediatric patients.