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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > M > Malignant teratoma

Malignant teratoma    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

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

Definition:

A type of cancer consisting of cysts that contain one or more of the three primary embryonic germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Causes and Risks

Malignant teratoma occurs most often in young men in their 20's - 30's. It is often located in the anterior mediastinum (in the abdomen). 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

Ency. home > Disease > M > Malignant teratoma

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