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Malignant teratoma

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• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Malignant teratoma occurs most often in young men in their 20's - 30's. It is often located in the anterior mediastinum (in the chest). Most malignant teratomas have spread (metastasized) by the time of diagnosis and they can spread throughout the body.

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

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

• Review Date: 9/11/2006
• Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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