Malignant mixed mesodermal tumor arising in a benign cystic teratoma

The occurrence of sarcoma in a benign cystic teratoma is very rare. We repo rt the first poorly differentiated, malignant mixed mesodermal tumor with a component of rhabdomyosarcoma to arise in a benign cystic teratoma of the ovary. The tumor was staged as FIGO IC due to capsule invasion. Although co mbination chemotherapy of cisplatin, ifosfamide and mesna, was instituted, the disease took a rapidly progressive course. After an unusual metastasis to the scapula was detected, the patient deteriorated and died in the forth postoperative month. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights res erved.