Teratomas are a rare form of germ-cell tumor (GCT) which may include diverse types of tissues. These tumors typically occur in the testicles, ovaries and the tailbone. However, they may also be found throughout the body.
Teratomas are a kind of GCT. The term “teratomas” refers to an entity that grows from
germ cells
These comprise the cells which transform in the form of the embryonic cells which comprise the female and male reproductive systems. This is the reason teratomas typically occur in the testes as well as the in the ovaries. However, germ cells could move to other areas of the body and then develop into tumors that are known as
extragonadal germ cell tumors
.
Teratomas may appear in infants or children as well as adults. They could be benign which means non-cancerous, or malignant. The treatment strategy for a teratoma is usually require surgery.
This article we’ll discuss the teratomas more in depth with regard to the signs and causes, as well as the diagnosis and treatment options for this type of tumor.
A
Teratoma
is a kind of tumor that could contain numerous tissues. The word “monstrous” comes from the Greek meaning “monstrous tumour.” It is, for instance it could include:
- hair
- bone
- teeth
- muscles
- Organs
These kinds of tumors typically occur in the gonads that’s why they
testicles
and ovaries are both common places. They can also occur all over the body, but are most common in
midline
locations. They are located that are located in mid-body like your head or spine. Teratomas that are commonly found in the spine and head be:
Doctors typically classify teratomas under two types:
mature
or
Immature
. Immature teratomas appear different from normal cells under a microscope, and generally is malignant. However mature teratomas are identical to regular cells, and they are typically benign. Both types can create hormones or enzymes that may cause symptoms and signs of disease.
The signs and symptoms of a teratoma will vary according to how large and where the cancer is located. In certain instances, patients suffering from teratomas may not show any symptoms and will only see a lump when it grows sufficiently large to be visible.
The possible symptoms are:
- A swelling, mass or lump that one can feel or observe
- Incontinence or constipation
- leg weakness
- Abdominal discomfort
- trouble breathing
If a tumor is hormone-secreting it can cause obvious signs in children who are prepubescent and may cause precocious puberty. This is the very first onset of puberty. The hormonal changes may occur in
Male
or female or female.
The reason for Teratomas is not known. But, they could be an association with genetic conditions related to the central nervous system the genitourinary tract as well as the lower spine.
The research suggests that teratomas develop because of the changes that occur of embryonic stem cells. These stem cells are considered pluripotent, meaning they can develop into any other type of cell within the body.
In the course of development in the course of development, certain cells might not change, but they will retain the ability to change into different types of cells. This is the reason why teratomas contain a variety of body organs, like hair, bone or teeth that aren’t native to the site of the cancer.
Risk factors could also differ according to the kind of teratoma. Research suggests that risk factors are associated with testicular teratomas are different.
may include
:
- Low birth weight and small size at birth
- cryptorchidism
- hypospadias
- Maternal bleeding
- Maternal age is getting older
- jaundice
- Placenta retained
Risk factors for ovarian tumors developing into malignant
could include
:
- older age
- Large size tumor size
- after having experienced menopausal symptoms
- increased concentrations of a particular protein known as cancer antigen elevated levels of a protein called cancer antigen (CA-125)
Along with conducting a medical history as well as performing a physical exam the doctor could employ the following tests in order to identify a teratoma
- imaging, like imaging, such as CT scanner or an ultrasound to detect a cancer
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as well as human gonadotropin (hCG) blood tests and elevated levels that indicate the presence of an eratoma
- Complete the blood count (CBC)
- kidneys, liver test for lung function, as well as the liver.
- A biopsies of the mass
Doctors can also discover the presence of a teratoma when performing tests to determine if there is a disease or condition.
Once a diagnosis is made the doctor will determine the stage of the cancer, ranging from 1-to-4. The classification is based on what size the tumor is as well as the extent to which the cancer has spread elsewhere in areas in the body. A stage 1 tumor will have a small size and be located however, at stage 4 it will be bigger and will have expanded to other places.
The majority of times the treatment for a teratoma involves removal of all of the tumor. The patient may also require chemotherapy following operation.
Type of Teratoma, as well as its malignancy may influence how treatment is performed.
For instance, with Ovarian teratomas
Four standard treatment
are:
If you have an ovarian tumor of stage 1 surgical procedure may be the only treatment option when the tumor is small and simple to eliminate. If a patient needs chemotherapy,
American Cancer Society
It is noted that doctors generally prescribing three rounds of chemotherapy under this PEB regimen. This regimen of chemotherapy comprises the medications cisplatin, Etoposide, and bleomycin.
Teratomas are a kind that is a germ-cell tumor which may be benign or can be cancerous. The tumors can contain types of tissue including muscle, hair and bone. They are typically found in female ovaries as well as the testicles of males and the tailbone in young children. However, they could also occur elsewhere on the body.
The method of treatment is different based on the location of the tumor, its dimension, as well as stage however, it usually includes a surgical removal as well as chemotherapy.
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