Teratoma was first introduced by Virchow and means "malformed". Teratoma is a rare congenital tumor and represents abnormal development of fetal tissue remnants. The tumor is composed of tissue derived from each layer of the three layers of the embryonic disk. Teratomas have been observed in many locations at birth, but particular sites of predilection are the presacral region, precoccygeal region, and the neck. Other reported locations are the brain, pineal body, retroperit. oneal tissue, anterior mediastinum, pharynx, base of the skull, spine, pelvis, and subcutaneous tissues. The tumor is found predominantly in females and, though primarily a tumor of infancy, cases have been reported in later life.
It can be cystic or solid, malignant or benign. All teratomas should be removed surgically if possible because of their tendency to become malignant, symptomatic, or infected.
The authors report 8 cases of benign teratomas which were successfully treated surgically, from December, 1960, to November, 1966. Of these, four (3 females and 1 male) were sacrococcygeal teratomas, ranging in age from 9 months to 50 years. The remaining four (3 females and 1 male) were retroperitoneal teratomas, ranging in age from 7 years to 20 years.
The authors also discuss pathogenesis, clinical symptoms and signs, pathology, and surgical management of teratomas.
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