Teratoma - Diagnosis & Treatment

How is a teratoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging studies and biopsy. Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI might be used to visualize the location and extent of the tumour. A biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken from the tumour for examination under a microscope, confirms the diagnosis by identifying the types of tissues present in the tumour.

How is a teratoma treated?

Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and whether the tumour is benign or malignant.

Surgery is the primary treatment for most teratomas to remove the tumour entirely. The surgical technique varies depending on the tumour’s location. For intracranial teratomas, the tumour is usually large in size and would require surgical resection. For ovarian teratomas, a laparoscopic procedure may be sufficient, while an inguinal orchiectomy is the standard approach for testicular teratomas.

If the teratoma is malignant (based on blood tests and histopathology) additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy might be necessary to address any remaining cancer cells or to treat metastases.

While teratomas can present with a wide range of clinical symptoms and require tailored therapeutic approaches, the prognosis is generally good with appropriate management. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to improve the understanding and treatment of these unique and diverse tumours.