How is teratoma diagnosed?

Teratomas generally originate from the germ cells of the ovaries. Most teratomas are benign tumors, but as age increases, the risk of teratomas becoming malignant increases. Once a teratoma is diagnosed in life, it needs to be treated in a timely manner, and the sooner the better. It is best to perform surgery in time, otherwise there will be a risk of malignancy. Be sure to take good care of your body after the operation.

Teratoma is a common type of ovarian germ cell tumor. It originates from germ cells and is divided into mature teratoma (i.e. benign teratoma) and immature teratoma (malignant teratoma). Benign teratomas contain many components, including skin, hair, teeth, bones, oil, nerve tissue, etc.; malignant teratomas are poorly differentiated, with no or little formed tissue and unclear structure. Early teratomas often have no obvious clinical symptoms and are mostly discovered accidentally during physical examinations.

Clinical manifestations

1. Intracranial teratoma

Because intracranial teratomas are usually located in the midline, there are often no obvious brain localization signs. In most patients, increased intracranial pressure is the first symptom, manifested by headache, nausea, and vomiting. Ophthalmic examination may reveal bilateral papilledema. Teratomas located in the pineal region may cause binocular inability to look up, ataxia, precocious puberty, cranial nerve palsy, etc. People in the sellar area may experience diabetes insipidus, drowsiness, visual impairment, and water and fat metabolism disorders. Those with posterior cranial fossa involvement may experience cerebellar dysfunction and neck stiffness. People with cerebellopontine angle disease may experience headache, vomiting, diplopia, ataxia, deafness, tremor, cranial nerve damage, etc.

2. Gastric teratoma

The main clinical manifestations are abdominal mass, mostly located in the left upper abdomen, abdominal distension, vomiting, hematemesis and (or) black stools, dyspnea, and anemia. In newborns or infants, the main clinical manifestations are upper abdominal mass and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (most commonly intermittent black stools).

3. Testicular teratoma

The peak age for testicular teratoma is divided into two age groups: children and adults. The peak age for testicular teratoma in children is 1 to 2 years old, while the peak age for testicular teratoma in adults is 25 to 35 years old. The vast majority of patients present with a painless testicular mass that is hard, nodular or irregular.

4. Ovarian teratoma

The incidence of metastasis of this disease is high. The metastasis method is to spread along the peritoneum. Common metastatic sites include pelvic and abdominal peritoneum, greater omentum, liver surface, diaphragm, intestines and mesentery. Most metastatic lesions are surface implants. Lymph node metastasis is not uncommon.

5. Sacrococcygeal teratoma, etc.

Sacrococcygeal teratomas vary in size, and patients often have difficulty urinating and defecating. Sometimes swelling of the buttocks and a mass in the sacrum and coccyx may be seen. Since the tumor often grows to one side, toward the buttocks, the buttocks often appear asymmetrical. Sometimes the tumor bulges out from the perineum. People with rectal compression or involvement may experience constipation or fecal incontinence. Having a huge tumor may affect the mother's delivery. A presacral mass may be palpated during rectal examination. Malignant teratomas grow rapidly and are associated with progressive constipation and dysuria.