Cancer developing in dermoid cysts of the ovary.A report of 8 cases, including a carcinoid and a leiomyosarcoma

LTHOUGH dermoid cysts or cystic teratonias A of the ovary are almost always benign tumors, the rare development of cancer deserves emphasis.All too often the changes that suggest this complication are overlooked at the time of operation, and the correct diagnosis is not made until the opportunity for primary definitive treatment has passed.This communication will summarize the accumulated knowledge of the subject and will report 8 cases seen at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass., during the last 47 years.Four of these cases are of special interest because of the unusual nature of the malignant change.