Malignant teratoma is a type of cancer made of cysts that contain one or more of the three layers of cells found in a developing baby (embryo). These layers are callled ectoderms, mesoderms, and endoderms.

Dermoid cyst - malignant; Nonseminomatous germ cell tumor - teratoma; Immature teratoma

Malignant teratoma occurs most often in young men in their 20s - 30s. It is often located in the chest area. Most malignant teratomas can spread throughout the body, and have spread by the time of diagnosis.

A number of other cancers are often associated with these tumors, including:

• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
• Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
• Malignant histiocytosis
• Myelodysplasia (MDS)
• Small cell undifferentiated carcinoma

Images

Malignant teratoma

Teratoma - MRI scan

Next Section

Malignant teratoma Symptoms

Review Date: 09/26/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)