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.

Mature Teratoma

Immature teratoma

Teratoma with malignant transformation

see Spinal teratoma.

see Cranial teratoma.

see Intracranial teratoma.

They are divided into two types: mature and immature.

Mature teratomas 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 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.