[Medical Q&A] Can men also get teratomas?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Chen Juan, Chief Physician, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Do you think teratomas are only associated with women? The answer is no, men can also get teratomas.

Teratoma is a special tumor that originates from germ cells. Under normal circumstances, germ cells should form sperm or eggs during embryonic development, but in some cases, they may continue to proliferate and divide in certain parts of the body, gradually forming teratomas. Because teratomas originate from primitive germ cells, men may also suffer from teratomas. Teratomas are divided into mature and immature: mature teratomas are benign, accounting for more than 90% of all teratomas, containing mature tissues such as skin, hair, and teeth. They are most common in the ovaries, and may also appear in the testicles and mediastinum, thorax, retroperitoneum, and presacral midline positions of the body; immature teratomas are rare, containing undifferentiated or semi-differentiated tissues, with a certain degree of malignancy, and are more common in the ovaries and testicles, but can also appear in other parts. Many small teratomas may not have any symptoms in the early stages, and are usually discovered accidentally during physical examinations or imaging examinations. As the disease progresses, patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal masses, pain, and endocrine disorders. Most teratomas can be removed surgically. Patients with benign teratomas recover well after surgery, while patients with malignant teratomas may need adjuvant treatment measures such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Whether male or female, if symptoms of teratoma are found or suspected teratoma is found through physical examination, they should seek medical attention in time and be diagnosed and treated by professional doctors.