# Congenital orbital teratoma presenting as a fungating keratinized mass in a resource-limited setting: a case report

**Authors:** Isa Salo Abdo, Dinksira Bekele Deneke, Metti Kuma Dida, Rezal Mohammed

PMC · DOI: 10.1186/s12886-026-04685-0 · BMC Ophthalmology · 2026-02-20

## TL;DR

A rare case of a congenital orbital tumor in an infant is reported, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications.

## Contribution

This case adds to the limited literature on congenital orbital tumors with fungating features in resource-limited settings.

## Key findings

- A 9-month-old infant presented with a keratinized fungating mass in the left orbital region since birth.
- Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are critical for preventing functional and cosmetic complications.
- Histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of a congenital orbital teratoma.

## Abstract

Orbital tumors present at birth are rare and pose significant diagnostic and management challenges, especially when they exhibit late and aggressive features such as fungation and keratinization. Early identification and intervention are crucial in preventing functional and cosmetic complications.

We report the case of a 9-month-old female infant who presented with a protruding left eye since birth. On physical examination, a large fungating mass with a keratinized surface occupying the left orbital region was noted. Detailed imaging and histopathological evaluation were performed to determine the nature of the mass. Management strategies and outcomes are discussed.

This case highlights the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management of congenital orbital masses. Our findings contribute to the limited literature on congenital orbital neoplasms presenting with fungating features, underscoring the necessity for timely diagnosis and intervention.

## Linked entities

- **Species:** Homo sapiens (taxon 9606)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** AFP (alpha fetoprotein) [NCBI Gene 174] {aka AFPD, FETA, HPAFP}
- **Diseases:** Congenital orbital teratoma (MESH:D013724), infection (MESH:D007239), Orbital tumors (MESH:D009918), vascular anomalies (MESH:D020785), Orbital masses (MESH:D009916), congenital neoplasia (MESH:D009369), visual compromise (MESH:D014786), pain (MESH:D010146), trauma (MESH:D014947), proptosis (MESH:D005094), bleeding (MESH:D006470)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12927221/full.md

## References

3 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12927221/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12927221