Everything about tratoma; A strange but treatable tumor

Collection: Diseases and the way of treatment

Tratoma is a congenital tumor that consists of reproductive cells

Teratoma Tumors: Types, Symptoms and Treatment

Teratoma is a type of tumor created from pluripotent stem cells. Its name is derived from the Greek word Teratos meaning “monster” and extension -oma meaning “tumor”, meaning the word “monster tumor”. The reason for this naming is the strange appearance of these tumors; They can contain hair, teeth, muscle and bone and other tissues. Multiple stem cells can be converted into a variety of cells and tissues, which is why these structures are formed in the teratoma.

However, most of these tumors are benign, but sometimes they can cause complications because of the size or location. In rare cases, they may become malignant. Here are some of the main features and methods of treatment.

Tratomas are often benign, but sometimes become malignant

What is Tratoma?

Teratoma is a type of tumor made up of germ cells and exists from birth (congenital). The tumor consists of multi -capable stem cells that can be converted to all embryonic layers. For this reason, they often contain various tissues such as hair, teeth, bones or cartilage.

Teratomas are commonly found in female ovaries or male testicles, but may also appear in the central nervous system, chest, abdomen or bone. Most of them are benign and do not give metastasis, but some may become malignant and damage or extend the surrounding tissues.

Types of traitoma

Tratomas can be classified based on benign or malignant or location. The following are explained:

Mature or benign teratoma

The adult teratoma is made up of adult cells and has slow growth, but it may reach large. Their average size is between 1 and 2 cm, but sometimes up to 5 cm.

Their most common location is the ovaries (especially the right ovary), but they may also be found in the skull, mediating (middle chest space) or saccucoxoxal area. In the ovary, it is called dermoid cysts, which is usually diagnosed in women of childbearing age and is one of the most common ovarian tumors. Although benign, it may cause complications if pregnant.

Immature or malignant tratoma

Tratoma is cancerous and fortunately less prevalent. It is usually seen in men between the ages of 1 and 2 and in women before the age of 5. This type of immature and abnormal cells consists of abnormal and varying degrees depending on the severity of the cells and the extent of the tumor.

Its features include:

• Solid.

• Contains necrosis areas (dead cells).

• Includes immature tissues such as connective tissue or even cerebral tissue.

The prognosis of this type of tumor varies and may require aggressive treatments such as ovarian or testicular removal.

Tratoma size can vary from a few centimeters to very large

Tratoma based on location

The name of the teratoma varies depending on the location. The most common types are sacrococcal tone and ovarian teratoma.

Sacrococcalgaal Tratoma:

Most of the large, benign tumors are exhausting from the sackral bone. They are usually diagnosed with ultrasound or after birth during pregnancy.

Another type is a smaller tumor that is in front of the sacrome and may cause asymmetry of the baby's hips. If left untreated, it can damage the bladder or intestine.

Ovarian Tratoma:

They are usually benign and often accidentally discovered in other diseases, as they are usually asymptomatic.

Tratoma symptoms

The symptoms of teratoma depend on the location and size of the tumor. In children, the interpretation of symptoms may vary. Some items include:

• In some cases, the mass can be seen or even visible through the skin.

In the saccucoxal area, the mass may push the intestine or bladder, causing constipation, urinary incontinence, or changes in the strength of the organs.

• Many trenches are asymptomatic.

Also, these tumors can cause laboratory changes, such as increased alpha-fatoprotein levels or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which are hormones associated with immature tissue.

The most common location of tratoma is in ovaries or testicles

Cause of Tratoma

Teratoma is made from reproductive cells that are responsible for the formation of the reproductive system and are usually in the ovary or testis. However, a small percentage of them may occur outside of these organs (non -shelladal sites).

The exact cause of the teratoma is unclear, but some scientists believe that some reproductive cells are accidentally migrated to other parts of the body. Typically, these cells die, but in the teratoma, this mechanism disappears and the cells continue to divide and form a tumor.

Sacrocoxical teratoma appears to originate from an area called Hanson's knot under the bone, which is the site of the accumulation of reproductive cells. Tratomas are sometimes associated with hereditary defects such as urinary tract abnormalities, lower spine, or central nervous system defects.

Diagnosis and treatment of teratoma

Diagnosis:

• Sometimes the mass is identified by touch or ultrasound during pregnancy.

Further tests such as blood tests, MRIs, CT scans or radiographs are used.

• Biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

• benign teratoma: If it puts pressure on adjacent organs, it is usually removed by surgery.

Malignant teratoma: In addition to surgery, it may require chemotherapy, radiation therapy or homeotherapy (which disrupts the growth of cancer cells).

Care and recommendations

Tratomas, especially in children, need special care and follow -up. Usually, every 6 months or annual examinations are performed to check the recurrence of the tumor or its complications. These include physical examination, imaging tests, and blood tests to examine abnormalities.

Teratoma is a tumor made of reproductive cells and can contain a variety of tissues. Most of them are benign, but they may cause complications. Early diagnosis and careful follow -up are essential for the management of these tumors.

In children, the tratoma may be seen at birth

Frequently asked questions about tumors

1. Are the Tratomas always cancer?

No, most of the teratomas are benign (adult teratoma). However, immature traratomas can be malignant and cancer and require more aggressive treatments.

2. Where are the most common places of teratoma?

The most common places include ovaries (in female), testicles (in men), saccaucoxial (bone bone) and sometimes central nervous system, chest or abdomen.

3. Can the tratoma recur?

Yes, especially in cases where the tumor is not fully removed. For this reason, periodic follow -up (every 6 months or annual) is recommended.

4. Are the Tratomas inherited?

The exact cause of the teratomas is unclear, but they are sometimes associated with hereditary defects such as the abnormalities of the urinary system or the spine. There is no definitive evidence for their direct hereditary.

5. Can Tratoma cause problems in pregnancy?

Yes, especially ovarian teratomas may cause complications such as ovarian screws or pressure on adjacent organs during pregnancy.

6. Can the tratoma be spontaneously eliminated?

No, the teratomas do not spontaneously disappear. Even if they are benign, they may need to be removed because of their size or place.

The last word

Teratoma is a congenital tumor composed of multi -potent reproductive cells and can contain a variety of tissues such as hair, teeth, bone or cartilage. These tumors are often benign and are found in areas such as ovarian, testis or saccucoxing area, but in rare cases they may become malignant and cause complications such as constipation or urinary incontinence. Diagnosis is performed through ultrasound, blood testing, imaging and biopsy, and treatment usually includes surgery and in cases of malignant, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Collected:Bitote Health