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Teratoma - MRI scan
Teratoma - MRI scan
Malignant teratoma
Malignant teratoma
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Malignant teratoma

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 mediastinuman (mediastinoscopy) and remove a piece of the tumor (biopsy)
  • Anterior mediastinotomy -- open surgery to remove the tumor or part of it


Review Date: 8/8/2002
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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