In the teratomas are so-called embryonic tumors because they arise from fehlentwickeltem embryonic tissue. They may be benign or malignant. Teratomas in various parts of the body can be found, among others:
* to the coccyx and sacrum (about 50 percent of the teratomas)
* in the ovaries (approximately 20 percent)
* in the mediastinum (chest between the two lungs),
* in the testes,
* Back into the abdominal cavity and
* in the brain and spinal cord.
Typical is a reflex behind the pupil and inflamed eyes.
The symptoms depend on the location of the tumor. Located e.g. a palpable nodule in the area of the coccyx or the abdominal cavity, it comes to abdominal pain or respiratory symptoms. Daughter tumors (metastases) may form in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver and bones.
Is affected only one eye, this is usually removed.
The suspicion of the existence of a teratoma resulting from the typical symptoms and findings on physical examination. Further evaluation is carried out with the help of blood tests, X-ray of the chest, an ultrasound scan of the abdomen, a computer and / or MRI and a bone scan.
The chances of recovery are good.
Therapeutic comes with a benign or a limited region of a teratoma, the surgery alone questioned. In all other cases, it is usually performed as an adjunct to surgery to chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is usually less effective. Depending on the rate of long-term cure is independent of the malignancy as well as the spread of the respective teratoma. It is about 70 to 100 percent.
