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Teratomas – they cause surprise, fear and even terror. Their name accurately reflects the nature of the tumor. Paradoxically, however, teratomas can be a source of valuable information, which is why molecular biologists and geneticists are interested in them.
What are teratomas
The name teratoma (from Latin. teratoma) is derived from a Greek word core, meaning a monster, a wonder, a wonder. And there is something to it, because this tumor arises from multipotent germ cells which, in the proper development of a new organism, give rise to three germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The individual tissues of the organism are then formed from these leaves according to the genetic pattern defined for the organism. In a properly developed organism there is order: every cell and tissue has a strictly defined place; they also contain the correct set of chromosomes. The tissues that make up teratomas are also formed from the three germ layers mentioned above, but it is in vain to look for the above-mentioned ordering in them. Teratomas are made of randomly mixed tissues, which in addition can accumulate serious chromosomal mutations.
Stray cells
It is believed that teratomas arise from germ cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation, which in the process of development have “strayed” and ended up in the wrong place. In addition, there was a mutation during the development of cells that make up the individual germ layers. As a result, a bizarre formation can grow in the body: with hair, skin, glands (sebaceous or salivary glands), fragments of cartilage, muscle tissue, and even deformed teeth. In teratoma, you can also find nervous and glial tissue – responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of nerve connections. Some teratomas can secrete hormones and thus significantly affect the functioning of the body in which they develop. A lot of confusion can be caused by immature teratomas. The cells of these tumors may release an excess of chorionic gonadotrophin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. As a result of teratoma activity, the concentration of this hormone may increase, which in turn gives false positive results of pregnancy tests.
Teratomas are mainly located near the gonads (ovaries, testes) or the spine and the line marking the central symmetry of the body. Their existence is most often detected by chance, e.g. during an ultrasound examination (especially during vaginal ultrasound) or during a CT scan.
Teratomas – malignant or not?
Whether teratoma belongs to malignant neoplasms depends largely on its type. Generally, teratomas are classified as mature and immature. The former consist mainly of fully differentiated cells. The latter, on the other hand, are made of cells that have not yet been specialized.
Mature teratomas are usually considered benign lesions, but professional literature reports that they may nevertheless become invasive. For this reason, work is underway to find biological markers and markers that will allow to estimate the risk of malignant change. Malignant teratoma is quite a peculiar process: it consists in the secondary dedifferentiation of cells in one of the tumor-forming tissues. As a result, one tumor may develop another, invasive, e.g. sarcoma or teratoma.
Immature teratomas are usually classified as malignant neoplasms. They mainly occur in adolescents. A characteristic feature of this type of neoplasm is its rapid growth, early invasion of adjacent organs, and the tendency to metastasize. Their ability to metastasize depends on the degree of immaturity of the cells that make up the tumor.
In each of these groups, solid and cystic tumors are also distinguished.
Women, men, children and teratomas
In women, the most common teratoma is a tumor called a skin cyst, located on the ovary. It is classified as a benign neoplasm. It is estimated that 100 percent. diagnosed with ovarian cancers over 95% of them are leather cysts. A woman with a dermal cyst will generally experience abdominal pain (constant and varying degrees of severity), swelling or a certain mass in the abdomen, and may notice abnormal uterine bleeding. These symptoms should prompt you to visit a gynecologist and perform an ultrasound examination.
In men, the presence of teratomas is usually found in the testicles. They are usually immature forms, and there is a risk of malignant tumor. This cancer usually does not cause any pain in a man. Some people, however, may experience swelling and pain. A symptom that should cause anxiety to every gentleman is the hardness of the scrotum and the feeling of a lump in it. If there is pain and swelling in the area of the scrotum, it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible!
Children’s problems with teratomas begin already in the fetal stage. This is when these tumors form. For this reason, teratomas are considered congenital tumors. However, not all teratomas are diagnosed in childhood. It also happens that a person lives his whole life without knowing that there is cancer in his body.
The most common type of teratoma in children is one known as sacro-caudal tumors. These tumors arise around the coccyx. When they are really big, circulatory problems can occur in the developing fetus. If such a tumor has been diagnosed and it was not possible to remove it while the baby was still in the womb, it is recommended to remove the teratoma within the first week of baby’s life.
Treatment of teratomas
The treatment of mature teratomas consists in their surgical removal, while in immature teratomas – surgical removal followed by adjuvant chemotherapy
The biggest wonders among teratomas are:
– fetus in fetu, i.e. a fetus in a fetus – a fetal mass that develops in the body of a newborn or infant
– fetiform – teratoma resembling a deformed additional fetus
– ovarian goitre (goiter ovarii) – mature teratoma composed mainly of thyroid tissues; may cause symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland.
Teratoma can be treated in two ways:
– as an unnecessary ballast and remove as soon as possible – an option recommended especially when a doctor diagnoses malignant teratoma
– as a valuable material for genetic research on the intricacy of biological processes taking place in our systems.
Regardless of what happens to teratoma, one thing is for sure: this cancer evokes extreme emotions.
Text: Katarzyna Kieś-Kokocińska
Read also: Lipomas – cancerous freaks A walk will save you from cancer – read in Zdrowie.