Ocular structures in a mature ovarian teratoma.

Case report

A 42-year-old otherwise healthy Asian woman underwent laparoscopic excision for a persistent left adnexal mass with an ultrasonographic appearance of an ovarian dermoid cyst. Histologic examination of the entire specimen revealed cheesy material and hair consistent with a mature ovarian teratoma. Further examination revealed several ocular structures. Fig. 1A shows hematoxylin and eosin stained portion of the teratoma at low magnification. The cystic structure with a single layer of epithelial cells is suggestive of primordial lenticular development (Fig. 1A inset). In addition, more differentiated ocular structures including corneal epithelium and conjunctiva with prominent goblet cells are noted at the surface of the specimen (Fig. 1B).

Fig. 1

Hematoxylin and eosin stain of a mature ovarian teratoma with ocular structures (40x) with inset (200x) highlighting a layer of epithelial cells surrounding an eosinophilic cystic cavity suggestive rudimentary lens capsule. Fig. 1B (200x): Transition from conjunctival (C) to corneal epithelium (K).

Discussion

Multiple prior reports have described retinal and choroidal structures in mature teratomas., However, few have previously described corneal, conjunctival, and lenticular tissue, which are most commonly seen as part of a fully formed eye within a teratoma.1, 2, 3 This image reveals the first-reported, isolated corneal and conjunctival tissue with developing lenticular structures in a mature ovarian teratoma.

Conclusion

This case reveals the first-reported, isolated corneal and conjunctival tissue with developing lenticular structures in a mature ovarian teratoma.

Acknowledgements and disclosures

Funding

No funding or grant support.

Conflicts of interest

None of the authors have any financial disclosures.

Authorship

All authors attest that they meet the current ICMJE criteria for Authorship.