Mature Teratoma of the Rectum: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Teratoma commonly affects the gonads. Its occurrence in extragonadal sites has also been reported. However, teratoma affecting the gastrointestinal tract is extremely uncommon. Herein, we describe a rare case of rectal teratoma presenting a solid polypoid tumor. A 61-year-old woman with constipation is presented. She had a colonoscopic examination and was noted to have a pedunculated polyp at the rectum, located 15 cm from the anal verge. The 4.2x2.4x2.0 cm polyp arose at the rectal mucosa which had a long stalk and smooth surface. The cut surface showed a solid area with a central yellow area. Microscopically, the polyp was covered with keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium which was abruptly exchanged from the columnar rectal mucosa. Sebaceous glands, sweat glands and hair follicles were mixed in stroma under the surface of the polyp. The central portion of the polyp was composed of mature adipose tissue and collagen fibers. Mature neural elements were noted in the stalk.