Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Malignant teratoma

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

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


Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Limited ability to tolerate exercise
  • Shortness of breath

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may reveal signs of congestive heart failure and increased pressure in the chest area.

The following tests help diagnose the tumor:

  • Chest x-ray
  • CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
  • Blood tests to check beta-HCG and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels
  • Mediastinoscopy with biopsy


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)