The word teratoma has arrived from Greek word which actually means a monstrous tumor. It is identified as a type of germ cell which is a combination of various kinds of cells. It happens when the germ cells start replicating itself at unusual places. This kind of tumor is generally present at the time of birth. Sometimes, it goes unnoticed and diagnosed at a later stage in life.

It is believed that most of the teratomas are benign and only few of them become malignant. Surprisingly, the teratomas which are usually present as a mass of tissues also contains skin, hair, bone and cells which are same as those present in any other usual organ or glands. These can be traced anywhere in the body and in few cases these have eyes like structures or some other extremities.

Sometimes, tumors are misunderstood as teratomas. For an actual teratoma it must possess all the 3 layers of the germ cells. Germ cells are one distinct type of cells that have the capability to divide and separate into any form. They may take the form of outer most layer of the skin to the internal organs of the body. The only difference is that these tissues are not functional.

Teratomas grow very rapidly and can be diagnosed by noticing carefully the various symptoms. The symptoms vary depending on the place where they have occurred. The teratomas which are benign may lead to inflammation of the area causing abdominal pressure to unusual swellings. Those which are malignant can spread easily and causes malfunctioning of the neighboring organs.

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