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Back to Oncology Diseases
Teratoma
A teratoma is a type of tumor that derives from pluripotent germ
cells. Teratomas usually start from cells in the testes in men, the
ovaries in women and in the sacrum in children. Teratomas involve
cells from all three embryonic cell layers: ectoderm, mesoderm and
endoderm. They can be benign or malignant.
Teratomas often contain well-differentiated cells which can result
in tissues growing in a teratoma which are quite different to the
surrounding tissue - ovarian teratomas have been known to grow hair
and teeth. Such a benign cystic teratoma is often termed a dermoid
cyst. Testicular teratomas are generally less well-differentiated, and
have a worse prognosis (chances of recovery are not as high).
See also
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
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