Squamous cell carcinoma arising in an ovarian mature cystic teratoma complicating pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The question of whether patients with pure stage I squamous cell carcinoma in a mature cystic teratoma (MCT) should undergo conservative surgery, or postoperative adjuvant treatment remains unresolved. CASE: A 33-year-old woman with a left ovarian cyst underwent laparoscopic cystectomy at 16 weeks of gestation. Histological examination confirmed squamous cell carcinoma arising in an MCT. At 18 weeks of gestation, she underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy, and was diagnosed as having stage Ic malignant transformation of the MCT, and was observed closely without postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. She delivered a healthy baby at 41 weeks of gestation. No evidence of recurrence was observed 14 months after the initial laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: Although a thorough staging procedure , histopathologic evaluation, and long-term follow-up are indispensable, patients with early stage I squamous cell carcinoma in MCT may safely undergo conservative surgery.