Case Report: When bias clouds judgment in diagnosing a pediatric mixed germ cell tumor

Background Cognitive bias is increasingly recognized as a significant factor contributing to diagnostic errors in the medical field. While interventions to reduce biases have mainly been studied in adult hospital or acute care settings, the impact of cognitive bias on diagnostic errors in pediatrics is also noteworthy. Case presentation We discuss a 17-year-old who presented for treatment of a clinically and radiographically diagnosed macrocystic lymphatic malformation. Overcoming the challenges of diagnostic anchoring and medical mimicry, medical evaluation was abruptly adjusted, and surgical resection revealed a diagnosis of immature teratoma. Conclusion The case helps highlight how cognitive biases can contribute to diagnostic delay and exemplifies methods employed to overcome bias. Understanding and addressing cognitive biases are essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care in pediatric settings.