Teratcmas are ccmpcsed of multiple tissue elements foreign to the area in which they originate, take different forms, either solid cr cystic, and arise in an immediately preaxial median or paramedian location.
The retroperitcneal teratcma is a rare condition being recognized in only 10% of all retroperitoneal primary neoplasms. Although it arises early in embryonic life and usually becomes clinically evident during the first year of life, it may remain undiscovered for many years. A slightly higher incidence of cccurrence has been found in females than in males and higher in the left than in the right side.
The paticnts usually present with distension of the abdomen. A distinct mass may be palpable. Roentgen study may reveal typical calcification resembling immature teeth buds. The teratoma may displace the kidney and ccmxress the ureter, but rarely does it distort the renal pelvicalyceal system. The incidence of mall€na€nt degeneration has been reported to be frcm 6 to 10 per cent.
In additicn to reporting two cases of the retroperitoneal teratoma, we will present a review of the literature available on this subject.
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