PARASITIC OVARIAN DERMOID TUMOR OF THE OMENTUM-A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND REPORT OF 2 NEW CASES

Two cases of a parasitic omental teratoma which originated from an ova rian dermoid that underwent torsion, autoamputation and omental reimpl antation are presented. A review of the literature revealed 23 additio nal cases of omental teratoma which occurred mostly in females. In som e cases, the mature teratoma of the omentum showed histological eviden ce of ovarian stroma, and was associated with a dermoid tumor of the r emaining contralateral ovary. It is generally believed that autoamputa tion and reimplantation of an ovarian dermoid cyst is the most common etiology of omental teratomas. Abdominal pain is the main presenting s ymptom of these tumors, and on physical examination a mobile abdominal or pelvic mass is often found. Both ultrasonography with colour flow Doppler and CT-scan are helpful in the diagnosis of dermoid tumors, bu t the correct diagnosis of omental localisation is extremely difficult . Mature omental teratomas may be treated by simple resection. The imm ature teratomas of the greater omentum, however, are potentially malig nant tumors requiring postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.