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Malignant teratoma of the mediastinum

Definition

A teratoma is a type of tumor that contains one or more of the three layers of cells found in a developing baby (embryo). These cells are called germ cells. A teratoma is one type of germ cell tumor that can be benign or cancerous.

The mediastinum is located inside the front of the chest in the area that separates the lungs. The heart, large blood vessels, windpipe, thymus gland, lymph nodes and esophagus are found there.

Causes

Malignant mediastinal teratoma occurs most often in young men in their 20s or 30s. Most malignant teratomas can spread throughout the body, and have spread by the time of diagnosis.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or pressure

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Limited ability to tolerate exercise

• Reduced exercise tolerance

• Shortness of breath

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms. The exam may reveal a blockage of the veins entering the center of the chest due to increased pressure in the chest area.

The following tests help diagnose the tumor:

• Chest x-ray

• CT, MRI, or PET scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis

• Nuclear imaging to look for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body

• Blood tests to check beta-HCG, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels

• Mediastinoscopy with biopsy

Treatment

Surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment.

Chemotherapy is used to treat the immature teratoma. A combination of medicines (usually cisplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide) is commonly used.

After chemotherapy is complete, CT scans are done again to see if any of the tumor remains. Surgery may be recommended if there is a risk that the cancer will grow back in that area or if any cancer has been left behind.

Support Groups

There are many support groups available for people with cancer.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on:

• The size and location of the tumor

• The person's age

• Whether the cancer has spread to other organs

Possible Complications

The cancer can spread throughout the body and there may be complications of surgery or related to chemotherapy.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of malignant teratoma.

References

Triplette M, Varghese TK, Cheng G-S. Mediastinal tumors and cysts. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 115.

Wald O, Izhar U, Sugarbaker DJ. Lung, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 58.

Review Date: 7/29/2024

Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.