Intrapulmonary mature cystic teratoma: A case report with literature review

Background: Mature intrapulmonary cystic teratomas are rare. The clinical manifestations are nonspecific and may mislead to other diseases. The radiographic findings are often perplexing. There are few complete reports on intrapulmonary teratomas, including patient history, radiologic and pathologic findings, patient management, and outcomes. We present a case report of an intrapulmonary mature cystic teratoma diagnosed at our hospital, along with an extensive review of the relevant literature. Case presentation: A 47-year-old non-smoking female patient presented with hemoptysis and intermittent dyspnea for 5 months without fever or weight loss. Chest computed tomography revealed an inhomogeneous, hypodense, lobulated mass with internal fat, calcification, and soft tissue components. The patient underwent a left thoracotomy and left upper lobe lobectomy. Pathological examination revealed a cystic tumor containing various components, including fat, keratin debris, teeth, and hair. A diagnosis of intrapulmonary mature cystic teratoma was made. Three months after the operation, no recurrent tumor was identified, and the patient was scheduled for follow-up next year. Conclusion: Intrapulmonary mature cystic teratomas are unusual. Owing to its general clinical symptoms and radiographic findings, it was misdiagnosed before surgery. After surgery, pathological and radiological findings confirmed the diagnosis. Therefore, intrapulmonary mature cystic teratomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis, and sufficient examinations should be conducted to rule out the condition.