Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mature Cystic Teratoma (MCT) is the most common benign neoplasm of the ovary constituting 10-20% of all the ovarian tumours. Although, much has been published about ovarian teratomas, in English literature, there are very few retrospective cross sectional studies from India to understand the epidemiology of the disease. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence, clinicopathological characteristics and complications of MCT of the ovary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 223 cases of MCT of ovary received over a period of 25 years from 1990 to 2014. The data regarding age, size, laterality, gross, morphological features, complications and surgery performed was retrieved from the archives of pathology department. Descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS software version 22 and the results were expressed as percentages. RESULTS: MCT constituted 20.2% of the total ovarian neoplasms and 78.5% of all the germ cell tumours. The mean age of the patients with MCT was 32.5±13.11 years and the mean size of tumour was 8.6±3.1 cm. Torsion was the most common complication of these tumours. Malignant transformation of this tumour though rare was seen in 3.5% of the cases. CONCLUSION: MCT are most common tumours of the ovary. Though predominantly seen in reproductive age group, they may also be seen in children and postmenopausal women. Torsion is the most common complication of this tumour. Age of the patient and the size of the tumour are important prognostic factors in terms of malignant transformation of teratomas. Since 8.9% of these tumours were bilateral it is essential to thoroughly examine the contralateral ovary to rule out bilaterality. Early diagnosis and early treatment is essential to preserve fertility in these patients.