Teratoma - Symptoms & Causes

What is a teratoma?

A teratoma, particularly an intracranial teratoma, is a rare tumour that commonly occurs in newborn babies and children and is very rarely found in adults. It is a type of tumour which arises from germ cells, and can develop into various types of tissues, including fat, teeth, bone, and muscle. Teratomas can develop in different parts of the body, but they are most commonly found in the ovaries, testicles, and tailbone area in children. They are rarely seen in the head or brain.

Types of teratomas

Teratomas are classified based on their location and the maturity of the cells they contain:

• Mature teratomas are benign and made up of well-differentiated (developed) tissues. They are common in the ovaries and testes.
• Immature teratomas contain undeveloped tissues and are more likely to be malignant (cancerous), with a potential to spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.
• Specialised teratomas such as dermoid cysts are typically benign and often found in the ovaries but are also sometimes found in the head and brain, otherwise known as intracranial teratomas.

What are the symptoms of a teratoma?

Symptoms of teratomas vary depending on the tumour's location.

• Ovarian teratomas may cause abdominal pain, swelling, or menstrual irregularities.
• Testicular teratomas typically manifest as a painless lump.
• Teratomas in other areas such as the brain, head and neck may cause discomfort due to compression of nearby structures. In the brain, these tumours can cause obstructive hydrocephalus and neurologic deficits, resulting in headaches, drowsiness, paralysis and blindness.

What causes a teratoma?

The exact cause of teratomas is not well understood. They are thought to arise from germ cells, which are cells involved in reproduction. These cells have the potential to develop into any type of body tissue, which explains the diversity of tissue types found in teratomas.

What are the complications and related diseases for a teratoma?

Complications depend on the tumour’s nature (benign or malignant) and its location. For malignant teratomas, there is a risk of metastasis, where cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. Benign teratomas can cause problems by pressing on nearby organs or tissues, potentially leading to pain or dysfunction of the affected organs.

How do you prevent a teratoma?

Currently, there are no known ways to prevent teratomas, as the cause is unknown. They are not linked to lifestyle factors or environmental exposure, and they appear to form early in development, possibly even before birth.