NeuroradiologyTeratoma
neoplasm belonging to the group of
germ cell tumours. Teratomas arise from multipotential cells that produce tissues consisting of a mixture of two or more embryological layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm). They can be
benign (typical, or mature or immature) or
malignant (formerly called teratocarcinoma).
Teratoma is the second most common pineal region tumour, accounting for 15% of pineal masses. There is a male predominance that varies from 2:1 to 8:1.
They have preferential sites of growth such as the pineal region and the sacrococcygeal region.
Sacrococcygeal teratomas are the most frequently encountered presacral masses in children. Pathologically, they range from mature teratomas to anaplastic carcinomas. Most are mature teratomas and seen as large, well encapsulated heterogeneous pre- or postsacral masses.
Teratomas are usually heterogeneous lesions with calcifications and mixed CSF, lipid and soft tissue areas. CT and MR reflect this complex structure.
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