what is a teratoma

10 months ago 31
Nature

A teratoma is a rare type of tumor that can contain different types of tissues, such as hair, teeth, bone, muscle, and neurons. These tumors are typically derived from germ cells and can be found in various parts of the body, including the ovaries, testicles, tailbone, nervous system, and abdomen. Most teratomas are benign, but some can be malignant. The treatment for teratomas usually involves surgical removal, and in some cases, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary, especially if the teratoma is cancerous or likely to become cancerous. Teratomas are a result of disruptions during the cells differentiation process, and they are generally rare tumors.