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A teratoma, particularly an intracranial teratoma, is a rare tumour that commonly occurs in newborn babies and children and is very rarely found in adults. It is a type of tumour which arises from germ cells, and can develop into various types of tissues, including fat, teeth, bone, and muscle. Teratomas can develop in different parts of the body, but they are most commonly found in the ovaries, testicles, and tailbone area in children. They are rarely seen in the head or brain.
Teratomas are classified based on their location and the maturity of the cells they contain:
Symptoms of teratomas vary depending on the tumour's location.
The exact cause of teratomas is not well understood. They are thought to arise from germ cells, which are cells involved in reproduction. These cells have the potential to develop into any type of body tissue, which explains the diversity of tissue types found in teratomas.
Complications depend on the tumour’s nature (benign or malignant) and its location. For malignant teratomas, there is a risk of metastasis, where cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. Benign teratomas can cause problems by pressing on nearby organs or tissues, potentially leading to pain or dysfunction of the affected organs.
Currently, there are no known ways to prevent teratomas, as the cause is unknown. They are not linked to lifestyle factors or environmental exposure, and they appear to form early in development, possibly even before birth.
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