Background

Mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts) are the most common ovarian germ cell tumor in women of reproductive age, constituting 10–20% of all ovarian neoplasms [1, 2]. They have a 1–2% risk of malignancy [1]. Predominantly they have a midline location, like the mediastinum, nasal sinuses, and pineal gland. Rarely they may occur at locations away from the midline, like the omentum, abdominal wall, retroperitoneum, and cecum. Various theories have been postulated regarding the development of dermoid off the midline. This case of a cecal dermoid closely mimicked an ovarian dermoid, and the actual location of the lesion was missed till surgery, despite contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). This case is being reported because of its rarity and its potential to elude accurate diagnosis despite adequate investigations.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old nulliparous Indian Hindu woman presented to the obstetrics and gynecology out-patient department of our institute with intermittent complaints of pain in the right lower abdomen for 10 months. She attained menarche at 13 years of age, and her previous menstrual cycles were regular. She was married for 1 year and was trying to conceive. She had no known medical comorbidities.

On examination, she was of average built. A mass of 10 × 5 cm was palpable in the right iliac fossa, which was non-tender, firm, and mobile. The lower pole was palpable. Per speculum examination was unremarkable. Per vaginal examination revealed the uterus to be anteverted, normal-sized, firm, mobile with the left fornix free, and a mass around 10 × 5 cm size felt in the right fornix. The mass was non-tender, firm, and was separate from the uterus.

The hematological and biochemical parameters, including blood glucose and thyroid levels, were within normal limits. The urine examination was also normal. Ultrasonography revealed a 10 × 5 cm sized, well-defined solid cystic lesion with calcification in the right iliac fossa suggestive of right ovarian dermoid cyst. On Doppler, there was no abnormal flow (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Ultrasonography image showing a well-defined cystic and solid lesion with areas of calcification

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CECT showed a well-defined hypodense lesion of size 10 × 7 × 5 cm in the right lower abdomen (Fig. 2). The tumor markers CA-125 (8.8 U/ml), carcinoembryonic antigen (1.58 ng/ml), alfa fetoprotein (3.25 ng/ml), lactate dehydrogenase (283 U/l), and inhibin B (29.11 pg/ml) were all normal.

Fig. 2
figure 2

Well-defined hypodense focal lesion in the right lower abdomen and upper pelvis

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On laparoscopy, the uterus, bilateral tubes, and ovaries appeared normal. A cyst of size 10 × 6 cm was seen arising from the right medial wall of the cecum, at the ileocecal junction. The help of a surgeon was sought intraoperatively, and laparoscopic excision of the cecal dermoid was performed (Figs. 3, 4). The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery.

Fig. 3
figure 3

Intraoperative image showing bilateral healthy ovaries

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Fig. 4
figure 4

Intraoperative images showing the cyst arising from the cecum

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Histopathological study revealed the cyst to be a mature cystic teratoma (Fig. 5). The patient is doing well and has attended regular follow-up for nearly two years now.

Fig. 5
figure 5

Histopathology showing the squamous epithelium with the presence of a pilosebaceous unit in the subepithelium (hematoxylin and eosin, ×100). The inset showing keratin flakes with stratified squamous epithelium (×4 magnification)

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Discussion and conclusion

The word “teratoma,” initially coined by Virchow in 1863, originates from the Greek word teraton, meaning monster. The term “dermoid cyst” used much earlier for the same entity was coined by Leblanc, and both descriptors are often used interchangeably [1].

Dermoid cysts can be classified as congenital or acquired. Acquired dermoid cysts may result from previous intra-abdominal surgery or trauma as a result of the seeding of the cutaneous tissue into the peritoneal cavity. Congenital dermoid cysts, however, have been postulated to occur as a result of implantation of the ectoderm during embryogenesis, when the neural groove closes [3].

Mature cystic teratomas commonly originate from the totipotent cells of the mature gonad. Rarely, germ cells which migrate in embryonic life can implant anywhere along the midline or paraxial regions of the body to give rise to extragonadal teratoma. While the omentum is the most common site, the cecum is a rare site for extragonadal teratoma [4].

The exact causes of extragonadal teratoma are yet to be ascertained. Thornton proposed the theory of autoamputation of teratomas from an ovarian site reimplanting to another site in the abdomin [5]. This theory is widely accepted for the origin of extragonadal teratomas in the abdominal cavity. Rarely, the tumor may become entirely detached from the pedicle and become a parasitic teratoma. The mechanisms of autoamputation are still unclear. However, adnexal torsion is believed to lead to infarction, necrosis, and autoamputation. According to another theory, the extragonadal teratomas may occur in an ectopic ovary, which may arise congenitally or following surgery or pelvic inflammation. A third theory suggests that they may originate from displaced primordial germ cells, which later may stop differentiating [5]. However, some authors have criticized these theories as the location of the cecum is off the midline when the neural groove or other epithelial fusion occurs. Cecum, however, is one of the last elements to re-enter the abdomen during the process of intrauterine rotation, at which time it could be taking up some of the congenital heterotopic tissue, which can give rise to the dermoid in the cecum [3].

Cecal dermoid cysts are rare entities, unlike the dermoid cysts from the gonads and other midline structures like the mediastinum, anterior neck, and central nervous system [6]. Continued reports of these cases will help understand and support the theories behind their origin, presentation, and classification.

There have been only ten cecal dermoid cases reported to date. Full-text literature could be retrieved for eight, but the remaining reports were in different languages. The details of these cases are listed in Table 1. Our case seems to be the first reported case of laparoscopic cecal dermoid cystectomy to the best of our knowledge. Although adequate radiological workup, including ultrasonography and computed tomography, was done in our case, the correct site of origin of the dermoid cyst remained elusive until the laparoscopy. The diagnostic dilemma was similar in all the previously reported cecal dermoids, where ascertaining the exact organ of origin was a problem. Excision by laparotomy and laparoscopy seems to be an effective form of curative treatment.

Table 1 List of all the cecal dermoids reported to date
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This case emphasizes the need for an accurate preoperative diagnosis to avoid intraoperative surprises, as happened to the gynecologists. Cecal dermoid should be kept in mind as a possibility wherever a diagnostic dilemma exists. Laparoscopy is not only feasible in the management of this condition but also carries a promise of lesser morbidity and early recovery.