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Malignant teratoma is a type of cancer made of cysts that contain one or more of the three main types of cells found in a developing baby (embryo). These cells are callled ectoderms, mesoderms, and endoderms.
Alternative NamesDermoid cyst - malignant; Nonseminomatous germ cell tumor - teratoma; Immature teratoma
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMalignant teratoma occurs most often in young men in their 20s - 30s. It is often located in the chest area. Most malignant teratomas can spread throughout the body, and have spread by the time of diagnosis.
A number of other cancers are often associated with these tumors, including:
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
- Malignant histiocytosis
- Myelodysplasia (MDS)
- Small cell undifferentiated carcinoma
Symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Limited ability to tolerate exercise
- Shortness of breath
The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may reveal signs of congestive heart failure and increased pressure in the chest area.
The following tests help diagnose the tumor:
- CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
- Blood tests to check beta-HCG and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels
- Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
Chemotherapy is used to treat the tumor. A combination of medicines (usually cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin) is commonly used.
After chemotherapy is complete, CT scans are taken again to see if any mass remains. Surgery may be recommended if there is a possibility that the cancer will grow back in that area.
Support GroupsThere are many support groups available for people with cancer. Contact the American Cancer Society -- www.cancer.org
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook depends on the tumor size and location and the age of the patient.
ComplicationsThe cancer can spread throughout the body and there may be complications of surgery or related to chemotherapy.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of malignant teratoma.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoMalignant teratoma is a type of cancer made of cysts that contain one or more of the three layers of cells found in a developing baby (embryo). These layers are callled ectoderms, mesoderms, and endoderms.
Alternative NamesDermoid cyst - malignant; Nonseminomatous germ cell tumor - teratoma; Immature teratoma
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMalignant teratoma occurs most often in young men in their 20s - 30s. It is often located in the chest area. Most malignant teratomas can spread throughout the body, and have spread by the time of diagnosis.
A number of other cancers are often associated with these tumors, including:
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
- Malignant histiocytosis
- Myelodysplasia (MDS)
- Small cell undifferentiated carcinoma
Symptoms include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Limited ability to tolerate exercise
- Shortness of breath
The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may reveal signs of congestive heart failure and increased pressure in the chest area.
The following tests help diagnose the tumor:
- Chest x-ray
- CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
- Blood tests to check beta-HCG and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels
- Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
Chemotherapy is used to treat the tumor. A combination of medicines (usually cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin) is commonly used.
After chemotherapy is complete, CT scans are taken again to see if any mass remains. Surgery may be recommended if there is a possibility that the cancer will grow back in that area.
Support GroupsThere are many support groups available for people with cancer. Contact the American Cancer Society -- www.cancer.org
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook depends on the tumor size and location and the age of the patient.
ComplicationsThe cancer can spread throughout the body and there may be complications of surgery or related to chemotherapy.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of malignant teratoma.
ReferencesCelli BR. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 100.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/26/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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I had a 17 cm teratoma tumor growing inside my ovary and had to have it removed. Well inside the tumor they found hair teeth and fat cells. Is that considered a miscarriage Did I have a miscarriage?
No, a teratoma is not a miscarriage. It has been with you since before you were born.
What is hurricane tumor?
The hurricane tumour is a malignancy that kills in a matter of weeks. It is usually a trophoblastic testicular teratoma.
What happens when the coccyx is damaged?
The coccyx, sometimes known as the tailbone, marks the bottom of the vertebral column in humans as well as in some apes. This area is comprised of three to five very small vertebra and is believed to be the remnant of a tail structure. Although these bones are no longer needed to support a tail, the coccyx helps bear weight and provide balance, especially when sitting or leaning backwards. A normal tailbone is shaped like an upside-down triangle, roughly situated between and below the hip bones. The name, coccyx, is believed to come from the Greek word for "cuckoo," as the shape of the tailbone is similar to that of a cuckoo's beak. Unlike the rest of the vertebra, those in the tailbone are solid and do not contain a space for the spinal cord to run through. Directly above the tailbone is the sacrum, a wedge shaped bone that fits between the hipbones. The sacrum and coccyx are connected by joints and ligaments that allow some small movement between the two bone sections. However, studies have shown that if the coccyx is surgically removed, it causes little or no effect on overall mobility. Because of the largely vulnerable position of the tailbone, it is subject to a variety of injuries. Pain when sitting down is often the clearest symptom of bruising or damage to the area. If you are suffering from lower back pain when sitting, you may want to visit a doctor or chiropractor to see if the pain may be related to your coccyx. Tailbone pain is referred to as coccydynia, and damage is often confirmed using X-ray images or MRI scans of the lower back. There are many potential contributing factors to coccydynia, including traumatic falls, childbirth, or activities that require excessive sitting, such as bicycling or horseback riding. If you suffer from coccydynia, the condition may be aggravated by these types of sports, or simply by sitting for very long periods of time. There are also some tumors associated with the tailbone region. Sacrococcygeal teratoma is a type of tumor often found in newborn babies that forms in the base of the coccyx. Although these tumors are often benign, surgical removal of the tailbone is a common procedure to get rid of the tumor. If the tumor is malignant, leaving the coccyx in place leaves the patient at risk for a recurring tumor. Because of the limited complications associated with removing the coccyx entirely, it is often the safest and most effective way to remove the teratoma and prevent a reoccurrence. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-coccyx.htm
What is a tumor resembling a 'monster'?
teratoma
Is Sacrococcygeal teratoma hereditary or environmental?
hereditary
Where can a teratoma be found?
Teratoma is a tumor that can be found in a developing baby, it is usually benign in newborns and do not spread. They are normally found in organs including the brain, liver,and lung.
What is a teratoma?
A tumor (cancer) with multiple types of tissue.
Can an absorbed twin be a teratoma.?
Yes, and absorbed twin can be a teratoma. I know this because when I was 15 I had a teratoma. The doctor explained to me that I had absorbed my twin while my mother was pregnant with me. If you think you have a teratoma PLEASE see a doctor immediately! My teratome was not noticeable and then i started to see my stomach grow as if I were pregnant. By the time I saw a doctor mine was the size of a basketball. If i had waited maybe a month later it would've grown and taken over my vital organs and my life.
Can a teratoma reoccur?
Definately if it is not fully removed from connecting organs
What is a malformed animal or human in fetal stage?
try 'fetiform teratoma' for starters ...
I had a 17 cm teratoma tumor growing inside my ovary and had to have it removed. Well inside the tumor they found hair teeth and fat cells. Is that considered a miscarriage Did I have a miscarriage?
No, a teratoma is not a miscarriage. It has been with you since before you were born.
What is hurricane tumor?
The hurricane tumour is a malignancy that kills in a matter of weeks. It is usually a trophoblastic testicular teratoma.
What is another name for a dermoid cyst?
I suppose you could call a cyst a vesicle or sac of sorts
Describe the prenatal surgery procedure for treating sacrococcygeal teratoma?
Destroying blood vessels leading to a large SCT.
For which medical conditions is radiofrequency ablation used in prenatal surgery?
Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) and twin:twin reverse arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence.
