teratoma is a type of germ cell tumor — a tumor that starts in your reproductive cells like eggs and sperm. Most teratomas are benign (noncancerous), but sometimes they can become malignant (cancerous). Germ cells are the only cells in your body that can turn into many other types of cells. So, when a tumor starts in your germ cells, it can turn into many different types of tissue. This means teratomas can contain fragments of any body part.

1. Mesenteric teratoma
Prepared by - Rohan R Jagdale

2. What are teratomas ?
Teratomas are tumors that contain multiple types of tissues, often
resembling tissues from various parts of the body.
Teratomas are typically congenital (present at birth) and arise from
germ cells, which are cells capable of developing into various tissues in
the body. The exact cause of teratomas is not always clear.
Teratomas can occur in various parts of the body, but they're commonly
found in the ovaries or testes.However, teratomas can also occur in
other locations, including the sacrococcygeal area in infants, the
mediastinum (chest), the brain, or the retroperitoneum (the area at the
back of the abdomen).

3. Ovarian Teratoma

4. What is mesentric teratoma ?
A mesenteric teratoma is a rare type of tumor that develops in the
mesentery, which is the tissue that attaches the intestines to the back of
the abdominal wall.
In the case of a mesenteric teratoma, the tumor typically consists of
tissues like muscle, bone, hair, teeth, and sometimes more complex
structures.These tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can
occasionally be malignant (cancerous).

6. Gross specimen of the mesenteric immature teratoma.

7. A large mesenteric cyst was located 5 cm from the end of the ileum.

8. Symptoms
Symptoms of mesenteric teratomas can vary depending on their size and location but might include -
● Abdominal pain: This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain depending
on the size and location of the tumor.
● Abdominal mass: A palpable lump or mass in the abdomen that may be felt
during a physical examination.
● Digestive issues: Such as nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, or bowel
obstruction if the tumor affects the intestines.
● Abdominal swelling or distension: The presence of the tumor may cause the
abdomen to appear enlarged or swollen.
● Weight loss: Unintended weight loss can occur in some cases.
● Other symptoms: Less common symptoms may include fever, fatigue, or signs of
anemia if the tumor causes bleeding.

9. Treatment
The primary treatment for mesenteric teratomas is surgical
removal of the tumor.
The approach to surgery depends on various factors, including
the size and location of the tumor and whether it's benign or
malignant.
For benign teratomas, surgery to remove the tumor is usually
curative, and further treatment might not be necessary after
successful removal.

10. Treatment
However, in the case of malignant teratomas, additional treatments may be
needed following surgery, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These
treatments aim to reduce the risk of recurrence or to address any cancerous
cells that might remain after surgery.
Regular follow-up care is typically recommended after treatment to monitor for
any signs of recurrence and to ensure the patient's overall health. The specific
treatment plan and prognosis can vary widely depending on individual factors,
so it's important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to
determine the best course of action.
Here are previously reported cases of teratomas-

11. Reported year Age Sex Tumor size
(cm)
Symptoms Preoperative
diagnosis
Type of surgery
performed
Pathologic
diagnosis
1959 26 F 14×8 Abdominal pain,
nausea
Ovarian torsion,
tubo-ovarian abscess
Laparotomy Mature cystic
teratoma
1984 13 M 15.5× 17 Abdominal pain - Laparotomy Mature cystic
teratoma
1989 5 F 10×8 Nontender abdominal
mass
- Laparotomy Cystic teratoma
1993 10 F - - - - Benign cystic
teratoma
1995 8 month F 5.5×4.5×4.5 Intractable diarrhea - Laparotomy Mature
teratoma
1997 Newborn M 6×5×5 - Mesentric teratoma Laparotomy Immature
teratoma
2001 28 F 6.5 Abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting,
dysuria
Cecal volvulus Laparotomy Mature cystic
teratoma

12. Reported year Age Sex Tumor size(cm) Symptoms Preoperative
diagnosis
Type of surgery Pathologic
diagnosis
2002 2 M 15×18 Nonbilious vomiting Intestinal
obstruction
Laparotomy Benign cystic
teratoma
2003 68 M 18×10×6 None Mesenteric
epidermoid cyst
Laparotomy Epidermoid cyst
2004 30 M 4 Acute abdominal pain Mesenteric
teratoma
Laparotomy Mature cystic
teratoma
2006 9 F 3 masses( each 3
cm)
Abdominal pain,
vomiting
Multiple
mesentric
teratoma
Laparotomy Mature cystic
teratoma
2007 7 F 15×15 Abdominal pain, bilious
vomiting, constipation
Ovarian mass Laparotomy Immature
teratoma
2010 23 F 3.9×5.5×7.3 Nontender abdominal
mass
Mesenteric cyst Laparoscopy Mature cystic
teratoma
2011 2 F 10×5 Nintendo abdominal
mass
Parasitic cyst Laparotomy Mature cystic
teratoma
2011 60 F 9×8×8 Abdominal pain Ovarian mass Laparotomy Mature cystic
teratoma

13. Conclusion
The precise cause of teratomas remains somewhat unclear, potentially
linked to developmental irregularities or genetic factors. Early detection,
accurate diagnosis, and prompt treatment play crucial roles in managing
mesenteric teratomas. Regular follow-ups post-treatment aid in monitoring
for any potential recurrence and maintaining overall health.