Benign cystic teratoma: an uncommon cause of anterior mediastinal mass.

Teratomas of the mediastinum are rare, accounting for 8% to 13% of the tumours in this region. They primarily occur in the anterior mediastinum of young adults. Surgery should be performed whenever complications, such as atelectasis of lung tissue, adhesion to or compression of adjacent structures, or malignant transformation, are likely to be present. Results after surgical resection are excellent.