133 - Tools for Embryology Education: Histology, Anatomical Illustration, and Video Footage of Incision Support Incidental Finding of Ovarian Teratoma in Gross Lab

Poster Board Number: 133
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Co-authors:

Kimberly Feaster - Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine - West Virginia University School of Medicine; Natalie Yoshioka - Anatomy - Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences; Michelle Costas - Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine - West Virginia University School of Medicine; Patrick Bacaj, M.D. - Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine - West Virginia University School of Medicine; David Rasicci - Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine - West Virginia University School of Medicine

Abstract Body : Mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) are one of the most common ovarian neoplasms in women of reproductive age, representing 11% of ovarian neoplasms. In a routine whole-body dissection of a 90-year-old female donor, a group of health profession students discovered an apparent midline cyst in the abdominopelvic cavity. After photographing and documenting anatomical characteristics of the cyst, the students incised the cyst in situ to reveal its contents, which was captured on video. The cyst contained white, soft, sebaceous material, hair, and calcifications. The cyst was sectioned and sent to pathology with suspected diagnosis of MCT. Histopathology confirmed MCT diagnosis through identification of cells derived from three germ layers. Ectoderm-derived cells included hair shafts and stratified squamous epithelium. Endoderm-derived cells included pseudostratified columnar respiratory epithelium, while mesodermal-derived cells included mature bone, with interspersed hair shafts. Given the high prevalence of MCTs, we emphasize the importance that the trained anatomist is aware of such a finding in the gross lab. We hope that viewers find the video of the teratoma incision to be a useful educational tool in pathology and embryology. Moreover, we have reviewed the pathogenesis of teratoma formation, and subsequently have generated a detailed embryological illustration to assist readers in tracing the pathway of primordial germ cells from the yolk sac to the genital ridge and into the developing ovary. Though a routine pathology, the case study, along with the video footage and associated embryology illustration, may serve as pathology resources for students and medical educators.