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Malignant teratoma - Symptom

Alternative Names

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

Symptoms:

Symptoms result from spread of the tumor into surrounding tissues and include:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Limited exercise tolerance
  • Fatigue

Signs and tests:

On physical examination, a physician may see signs of congestive heart failure and increased pressure in the chest cavity. Diagnosis is made using the following tests:

  • History and physical examination
  • CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
  • Elevated levels of b-HCG and AFP in the blood
  • Mediastinoscopy and biopsy -- use of a special scope to look in the mediastinum (mediastinoscopy) and remove a piece of the tumor (biopsy)
  • Anterior mediastinotomy -- open surgery to remove the tumor or part of it
  • Reviewed last on: 9/11/2006
  • Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.