# Ovarian teratoma leading to colonic intussusception: a case report

**Authors:** Xiujuan Qiu, Jiahao Gao, Jun Gao

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1555443 · Frontiers in Oncology · 2025-05-01

## TL;DR

A 40-year-old woman's colonic intussusception was caused by an ovarian teratoma, a rare condition requiring surgery for diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a rare cause of adult intussusception and the diagnostic challenges involved.

## Key findings

- An ovarian teratoma invading the colon caused colonic intussusception and obstruction.
- Preoperative imaging misdiagnosed the condition as intussusception due to a colonic diverticulum.
- Surgical exploration confirmed the teratoma as the cause, leading to successful treatment.

## Abstract

Intussusception in adults is relatively rare compared to that in children and is typically caused by underlying benign or malignant intestinal diseases. We report a case of a 40-year-old female who presented with colonic intussusception and obstruction caused by an ovarian teratoma invading a segment of the colon. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging revealed a soft tissue mass within the colon, and colonoscopy identified a large cystic lesion approximately 6.0 × 6.0 cm in size located 20 cm from the anal verge. This lesion obstructed the lumen, causing significant narrowing. Preoperatively, the condition was misdiagnosed as intussusception caused by a colonic diverticulum. During laparoscopic exploration, a left ovarian tumor invading the colon was identified as the cause of the intussusception and obstruction. Consequently, partial colectomy and left oophorectomy were performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a mature ovarian teratoma. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged in good health. This case report presents a rare instance of intussusception, highlighting the challenges associated with achieving an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment modality for patients with this condition.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** ovarian teratoma (MONDO:0005602)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** CEACAM3 (CEA cell adhesion molecule 3) [NCBI Gene 1084] {aka CD66D, CEA, CGM1, CGM1a, W264, W282}
- **Diseases:** pancreatitis (MESH:D010195), cyanosis (MESH:D003490), polyps (MESH:D011127), granulomatous peritonitis (MESH:D010538), edema (MESH:D004487), colonic diverticulum (MESH:D004241), ureteral dilation (MESH:D014515), ureter (MESH:D014516), ovarian mass (MESH:D010049), ovarian tumor (MESH:D010051), abdominal distension (MESH:D000007), ureteral obstruction (MESH:D014517), intestinal diseases (MESH:D007410), testicular teratoma (MESH:C562472), Meckel's diverticulum (MESH:D008467), luminal obstruction (MESH:D000402), lumbar (MESH:C563613), intestinal obstruction (MESH:D007415), abdominal pain (MESH:D015746), metastasis (MESH:D009362), Tumor (MESH:D009369), hydronephrosis (MESH:D006869), nodular hyperplasia (MESH:D020518), pain (MESH:D010146), hypertension (MESH:D006973), inflammation (MESH:D007249), Teratomas (MESH:D013724), nausea (MESH:D009325), constipation (MESH:D003248), coronary artery disease (MESH:D003324), colonic perforation (MESH:D015179), Ovarian Teratoma (MESH:C562731), adhesions (MESH:D000267), tenderness (MESH:D063806), diverticula (MESH:D004240), vomiting (MESH:D014839), pharyngeal congestion (MESH:D010612), Intussusception (MESH:D007443), bladder fistula (MESH:D001747), diabetes (MESH:D003920)
- **Chemicals:** carbohydrate (MESH:D002241), alcohol (MESH:D000438)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12078161/full.md

## References

18 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12078161/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12078161