Teratoma: Cause, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Teratoma is a rare growth or tumor that can occur in different places in the body. The most surprising thing about teratomas is that they may contain completely different types of body tissue inside them, like hair, bone, or muscle! This happens because they arise from special cells that can turn into many kinds of tissues. 

Understanding teratoma helps students learn about how cells grow, how doctors find tumors, and why doctors treat them early. Read on to learn about the cause of teratoma, symptoms Of Teratoma, diagnosis Of Teratoma, and treatment Of Teratoma

What is Teratoma?

Teratoma is a special type of germ cell tumor. Germ cells are the cells in your body that are responsible for making eggs (in females) or sperm (in males). Because germ cells can turn into many types of cells, a teratoma can contain parts that look like skin, hair, bone, muscle, or even teeth.

Teratomas can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign teratomas don’t spread to other parts of the body, while malignant teratomas can grow and spread. Most teratomas are benign, but doctors still watch them carefully. 

Teratomas can happen in people of all ages, including babies and adults. They are found most often in areas like the ovary, testicles, or near the tailbone (called the coccyx). 

Types Of Teratoma

Teratomas are categorized into two main forms based on their cell development.

• Mature Teratoma: These tumors are usually benign. They contain fully developed tissues. Despite being non-cancerous, mature teratomas can recur after surgical removal.

• Immature Teratoma: This type is more likely to be malignant. They contain underdeveloped tissues. Immature teratomas might include elements of other cancers like sarcoma or carcinoma.

Cause Of Teratoma

Teratoma develops due to errors in cell differentiation. Germ cells are undifferentiated, meaning they can become any cell type. Problems during this process lead to teratoma formation. These tumors often arise in ovaries or testicles, locations where germ cells are abundant. They can contain diverse tissues such as hair, teeth, wax, oil, or skin.

Symptoms Of Teratoma

Patients with teratoma may not show early symptoms. When symptoms appear, they vary based on the tumor's location.

• General Symptoms: Common signs include pain, bleeding, and swelling. Slightly elevated levels of hormones like BhCG and tumor markers like AFP may also occur.

• Sacrococcygeal Teratoma: A visible lump near the tailbone is a key sign. Abdominal pain, constipation, painful urination, pubic swelling, and leg weakness can also be present.

• Ovarian Teratoma: This can cause severe pelvic or abdominal discomfort due to pressure from the growing mass. Rarely, it may cause NMDA encephalitis, leading to headaches and confusion.

• Testicular Teratoma: The main symptom is a bulge or swelling in the testicle. Some patients have no symptoms at all.

Diagnosis Of Teratoma

Diagnosing a teratoma involves a physical exam and medical history review. Several tests help confirm the presence and nature of the tumor.

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound determine tumor size and location.

• Blood Tests: These check for tumor markers and hormone levels.

• Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken to assess the tumor's malignancy.

• Fetal Diagnosis: Advanced imaging can detect teratomas during fetal development.

Treatment Of Teratoma

The treatment of teratoma depends on its type, size, and location. Surgery is a primary treatment approach for most teratomas.

• Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT): Fetal monitoring is done if detected during pregnancy. Small tumors allow for vaginal delivery. Large tumors might require early caesarean delivery or rare fetal surgery. Post-birth, surgery removes SCTs. Regular monitoring is needed due to recurrence risk. Chemotherapy is added for cancerous SCTs, showing good survival rates.

• Ovarian Teratoma: Small mature ovarian teratomas are removed using laparoscopic surgery. This uses a small incision. Perforation risks exist, leading to chemical peritonitis. Sometimes, the entire ovary needs removal. Immature ovarian teratomas in younger women are treated with surgery and chemotherapy, often leading to a cure.

• Testicular Teratoma: For malignant cases, surgical removal of the testicle is typical. Testicular teratomas respond poorly to chemotherapy alone. Chemotherapy might be necessary if other malignant tissues coexist. Testicle removal affects fertility and sexual health. Patients should discuss treatment options with their doctor.