Teratoma [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Teratoma ======

Teratomas are ectopic tumors containing multiple tissues from more than one [[mesoderm]]. 

Teratomas are true neoplasms and may also contain bone, cartilage, teeth, and nails.

===== Classification =====

[[Mature Teratoma]]

[[Immature teratoma]]

[[Teratoma with malignant transformation]]
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see [[Spinal teratoma]].                           
 
see [[Cranial teratoma]].

see [[Intracranial teratoma]].
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They are divided into two types: mature and immature.

[[Mature teratoma]]s include dermoid cysts and are generally benign.

Immature teratomas may be cancerous.

Most ovarian teratomas are mature.

In adults, testicular teratomas are generally cancerous.

===== Diagnosis =====

Diagnosis of a teratoma usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

The definitive diagnosis is often made through a biopsy, where a small sample of the tumor tissue is removed and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This examination can confirm the presence of various types of tissues within the tumor, which is characteristic of a teratoma.

see [[Intracranial teratoma diagnosis]].