Secondary malignancies in benign cystic teratomas

Seventeen cases of secondary malignancy arising in benign cystic teratomas are described. All 17 cases contained elements of the preexisting benign cystic teratoma. Thirteen contained invasive squamous cell carcinoma alone. In situ squamous cell carcinoma was seen in 1 case. Three cases displayed invasive squamous cell carcinoma plus a mixed mesodermal tumor, a carcinoid in struma ovarii in thyroid tissue, and a follicular adenoma in thyroid tissue, respectively. These neoplasms occurred in women in the fifth decade of life and treatment in most cases was a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Survival was dependent upon clinical stage at the time of diagnosis and therapy.