Management of immature teratoma of the ovary in children by conservative resection and chemotherapy

Six patients with immature teratoma of the ovary were treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical management consisted of unilateral salpingooophorectomy, biopsy and conservation of the contralateral ovary, and biopsy of peritoneal implants. Triple-agent chemotherapy with vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide was given to four patients and appeared to be beneficial. Radiation therapy was not employed. Local resection of teratomatous recurrences was frequently necessary. Thorough sampling of this tumor is mandatory for establishment of an exact pathologic diagnosis. All six patients are surviving in good health at 1–8-yr follow-up. The prognosis of immature teratoma in the child or adolescent appears more favorable than previously appreciated.