FETIFORM TERATOMA: GOD-CREATED MAN WITHOUT FATHER?

Abstract

Fetiform teratoma, also known as homunculus, represents one of the most extraordinary and diagnostically challenging entities in surgical pathology. Fetiform teratomas result from neoplastic processes of germ cells, while fetus-in-fetu arises from aberrant embryogenesis, specifically the inclusion of a parasitic monozygotic twin, and common locations of fetiform teratoma include the ovaries, retroperitoneum, and sacrococcygeal region, with clinical presentations varying from neonatal masses to pelvic pain in adults. We present a case of a 27-year-old Indonesian woman (gravida 1, para 0), Karo ethnicity, presented with abdominal enlargement. She underwent a laparotomy and left ovarian cystectomy. The ovarian cyst was as described as a10 x 9 x 7 cm cyst, smooth, brown, reddish-black cyst, when dissectioned resembles a 8.5 x 7 x 5 cm fetus. On microscopic examination it was found head  appeared  bones, cartilage, nerves, ganglia, and choroid plexus; back appeared skin, skin adnexa, and fat; abdomen appeared umbilical cord orifice, digestive tract with complete muscular tube; and cross section of umbilical cord appeared digestive tract and 2 blood vessels. This serves as further evidence of the truth of the sacred verses of the Qur’an, which state that it is not impossible for a child to be born to a mother who has never been touched by a man, for if Allah wills it by merely saying, ‘Be,’ then so shall it be. Scientific views are also presented which prove the truth and relevance of Surah Al-Mu’minun verses 12-16, Surah Ath-Thariq verses 6-7, and Surah Al-‘Alaq verses 1-2 to the creation of humankind.