Definition:
Teratomas are tumors made up of more than a single cell type derived from more than one germ layer.
Diagnosis:
Large tumors are more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage. Sacrococcygeal and cervical teratomas are usually detected by prenatal ultrasound. In rare instances, the tumor is so large that the fetus may be damaged or die. In the case of large sacrococcygeal teratomas, a significant portion of the fetus' blood flow is redirected toward the teratoma (a phenomenon called steal syndrome), leading to heart failure, or hydrops, of the fetus. In some cases, fetal surgery may be required.
Treatment:
Treatment for teratomas include surgery, chemotherapy, and clinical trials.
Causes:
The existence of teratomas has been recognized for centuries, during which time their origin was a something of speculation and debate. The parthenogenic theory, which suggests an origin from the primordial germ cells, is currently the most widely accepted.
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