None — Teratoma
A teratoma is a rare type of germ cell tumor. Germ cells are the primitive fetal cells that become reproductive cells. As the fetus develops, the germ cells travel along the middle of the body. In a female, the cells descend into the pelvis and develop into ovarian cells. In the male, the cells descend into the scrotal sac and develop into testicular cells.
The exact cause of a teratoma isn't known. Some researchers believe the tumors occur when a germ cell inappropriately develops into a different type of cell, spurring the growth of the wrong kind of tissue. Some teratomas may contain hair, teeth, fat, skin or other body tissue.
Researchers estimate about 25 percent of teratomas are found in the ovaries and 12 percent in the testicles. Teratomas may also travel to other sites. About 40 percent of them develop in the tailbone and 5 percent develop in the brain. Some other possible locations are the lung and neck.
Symptoms of a teratoma depend on the location. In the ovaries or testes, a teratoma may cause pain. In the brain, a teratoma can cause nausea and vomiting, difficulty with feeding or vision problems. A brain teratoma may also block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing the head to enlarge, putting extra pressure on the brain.
Dealing with Teratoma in the Brain
Amir Kershenovich, M.D., Neurosurgeon with Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, explains there are two types of teratomas. Immature teratomas can grow very quickly and spread to other areas. Mature teratomas do not spread, but can continue to grow and press on surrounding structures and organs.
In the brain, a teratoma can be very serious because as it grows, it presses on delicate nerves and brain cells. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the brain and remove the entire tumor so stray cells don't continue to grow. Using imaging scans and computer software, doctors determine the location, size, shape and depth of the tumor. A section of the skull is removed to access the brain, then the tumor is delicately removed. In some cases, the tumor may need to be removed in more than one stage.
Kershenovich explains complete surgical removal usually cures a mature teratoma. Patients with an immature teratoma, which is much more aggressive, may also need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Even with treatment, researchers estimate immature teratomas are associated with a 33 percent recurrence rate.
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