What does teratoma mean?
A teratoma is a type of germ-cell tumor that contains tissues resembling those of more than one embryonic layer. Depending on the tissues involved, it may include hair, teeth, cartilage, bone, skin, or other recognizable structures. Teratomas are commonly found in the ovaries and testes, although they can develop in other parts of the body. They may be benign, such as many mature ovarian teratomas, or malignant, particularly when immature tissue is present. The word is used chiefly in medicine and pathology, so it has a technical rather than everyday register. Its unusual composition also makes it a memorable term: a teratoma is not merely a mass, but a growth in which several kinds of bodily tissue can occur together. The name reflects the word's Greek origin for a monster or malformed formation.
nounA tumor composed of tissues derived from more than one embryonic germ layer, often containing a mixture such as skin, hair, teeth, cartilage, or bone. Teratomas may be benign or malignant and commonly arise in the ovaries or testes, although they can occur elsewhere.
- A tumor containing tissues derived from two or more embryonic germ layers, often with structures such as hair, teeth, cartilage, or bone.
"An ultrasound revealed a mature teratoma containing hair and calcified tissue in the patient's ovary."
"The pathologist identified the ovarian mass as a benign mature teratoma."
"Cases of testicular teratoma are evaluated carefully because the tumor can contain both mature and immature tissue."
The standard plural is teratomas.
"Several teratomas were identified during the review of the medical records."
A teratoma can contain hair, teeth, bone, cartilage, and other tissues from several embryonic layers—making one of medicine's most extraordinary-looking tumors.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of teratoma
The word comes through New Latin from Greek teratōma, a term associated with teras, meaning “monster” or monstrous formation.” In medical usage, it developed to refer to tumors containing diverse tissue types. Related English words such as teratogen, teratogenic, and teratology preserve the same Greek root through the idea of monstrous or abnormal development.
Related word forms
How teratoma is actually used
This is a specialized medical and pathology term used in clinical, surgical, and biological contexts. It is not restricted to tumors associated with pregnancy.
Easily confused with teratoma
A teratogen is an agent that can cause developmental malformations, whereas a teratoma is a tumor arising from germ cells.