This is rare - about 1% of ovarian teratomas - and usually presents in the first 2 decades of life. The immature teratoma differs from the mature variety in that it is malignant and consists predominantly of partially differentiated structures that resemble the tissues of a developing embryo. Neural elements are most frequently seen but cartilage and epithelial tissues are common. Most are unilateral.
Treatment consists of surgical resection and postoperative chemotherapy. Fertility is usually preserved in younger patients by conserving the uterus and contralateral ovary. Vincristine, actinomycin-D, and cyclophosphamide is commonly used as combination chemotherapy.
The 5 year survival rate is between 60 and 90% depending on the grade and stage of the tumour.
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